Education Management - , , United Kingdom
Food 4 Thought Project was launched as a pilot in 2004 to help GSCE students to improve their chances of getting 5 A*–C grades. Due to the success of the project, it became a non profit limited company in 2007. The project has been a refreshing idea to motivate and encourage students towards learning and education through customised support to the students of the schools in Greater Manchester. The tuition is provided by university students, who are recruited in partnership with local universities. By being tutored by a group of older, academically strong peers, the pupils are likely to be motivated to take their education seriously, with likely improvement in their performance. The tutoring sessions take place once a week in the evening at a local Indian restaurant where meal is provided after the lessons. The project has had a significant positive impact on the participating students. The participating schools reported that students who attended the project's tutoring sessions focused more effectively on revision and generally were more engaged in education and learning. An evaluation conducted on students shows strong evidence of the positive impact the project had on them. 98.5% said the project benefited them, while 82.5% said the project helped them to prepare better for their exams. 90% said the project helped them in other areas in addition to helping to prepare for exam such as encouraging them towards their studies and boosting their confidence. 85% students said that the project encouraged them to do more studies at home or at school. An evaluation of the impact of the project on student's exam results showed that over 79% students had a positive impact on their GCSE results due to the support given by the project. Due to its unique and non-traditional approach to learning, the project attracted significant media interest, featuring in BBC Radio, Times, Manchester Evening News, Manchester Metro News, Channel M News, Bolton News.