Second Chance School, Leeds 1998-2005

Well if anyone fancies arranging a date, time and venue for a 20 yr reunion as Louise has mentioned go for it. I would be happy to attend if I can. SUE

Hello Everyone. I am in Porto, Portugal, to talk about Leeds Second Chance School at an international conference tomorrow. Why?
This year is the 30th anniversary of the concept/idea of setting up second chance schools across Europe.
Leeds Second Chance School was one of the original schools that were set up. We were pioneers!
Bert Pelzer, the Head of Cologne Second Chance School, has also been invited with me, as founders of the association of schools.
Today I have looked at all the photos and it brought back many happy memories. Cologne was one of the first schools that we partnered with, and indeed our first students went to the Youth Summit organised by Cologne in 1998.
I hope you are all well- I do keep in touch via Facebook with some former students and staff.
Leeds Second Chance School, its students and its staff had a massive impact and influence on what other schools in Europe did. I know many of you benefited from work experience or participating in youth summits in other countries.
Take care of yourselves.
Barbara

Have a very Merry Christmas and any other seasons celebrations everyone. Sue

Leeds in June 2001
The issue of homelessness came under the spotlight at Tennant Hall. Pictured is project worker, Kim Suthers, and volunteers, from left, Jessica Powell, Maria Foster and Bernadette Ingwell.

Second Chance School student; Bernadette Ingwell.

(YEP)

An international visitor in Second Chance School, Leeds. South African High Commissioner Lindiwe Mabuza, left, meets Chantel Anderson, and Gareth Cattan who are helping to pack books for the Books For Durban Schools campaign at East Leeds Family Learning Centre, in Seacroft, Leeds, on February 21, 2003.

(YEP)

Claire Lancashire in class.

A long time has passed for Second Chance School Leeds ... but we, tutors have not forgotten those students in our daily teaching lives: Geoff Warren, Heather Cox & Claire Lancashire.
(YEP2002)

Hi All. Hope you are well. Anyone remember the PLEASE project? I'm working on a similar project called CHIMES that is working with second chance schools in Spain, Portugal, Romania, Hungary and Italy and with professionals from the creative arts industry--artists, musicians, dancers, actors. After taking part in workshops with these professionals and learning new skills the students will then organise local music festivals and exhibitions. I would like to share your memories of the PLEASE project, performing at the student summit in Finland (Wes Dixon? Melanie Smith? Louise Steib?)--or any other memories of your experiences in creative and performing arts at second chance school - form students and tutors please!. Take care xx Barbara

SECOND CHANCE SCHOOL. staff 2000
Phil Barnet, Barbara Brodigan, Mabe Potts, Sue Pattinson, Lionel Strub, Sally Williams & Lisa Gedge.

Second Chance School, tutors Sue & Sally meet Princess Royal in an East Leeds Family Learning Centre line-up in 1999.

Between 2014 and 2018 England ( not just UK) received 367 million euros for Mobility projects - to enable young people take part in cultural/sport activities ( like the E2C Youth Summits for Second Chance Schools) or to undertake work placements ( e.g. Leeds students went to Sweden for 2 weeks or Denmark for 1 week). So far there have been 2,747 projects in England.
I think these projects provide fantastic opportunities for young people to experience living and working in another country. Research has shown that it not only builds self confidence- but also increases your chances of getting a job.
It would be good to hear your stories! Thank you!