Lockdown learning supported by laptop donation

A leading global mining company has donated laptops to one of our Hope schools in Scarborough, to help support children who are learning remotely during the coronavirus lockdown.

Anglo American, which is developing the Woodsmith Project in Whitby and Redcar, has donated 15 laptops to George Pindar School in Eastfield, Scarborough, as part of an ongoing collaborative partnership.

Since the end of March, George Pindar School has only been open to vulnerable children and children of keyworkers, so the majority of students have been learning at home via an online platform.

Principal at George Pindar School, Mrs Lesley Welsh, explains why this has caused issues for the school: “We have been faced with so many challenges over the past few months and have done our utmost to make sure that our students can continue their education, be that in school or at home. For some of our students, being able to access online learning has been problematic as not all of our families have a laptop or computer, and some have to share devices with parents and siblings.

“This generous donation from Anglo American has made such a difference and means that we can offer more support where it is needed most. We are so grateful!”

“We understand how difficult and frustrating the situation is for everyone at the moment, particularly for children to keep up with their schoolwork,” said Matt Parsons, External Affairs Manager at Anglo American. “Helping young people overcome barriers to achievement and good career opportunities is a major part of the community work we’re doing.  So we are delighted to be able to help the students at George Pindar to do that with this initiative.”

George Pindar School began working with Sirius Minerals (who previously ran the Woodsmith Project) last year on the ‘Stepping Forward’ project, which is delivered in partnership with NYBEP. The four-year venture, which will follow students from Year 7 through to Year 11, aims to boost the life chances and career prospects of young people from the Eastfield area.

Mrs Welsh adds: “We are really lucky to have Anglo American on our doorstep. They are a big supporter of George Pindar School and we are all looking forward to further developing our relationship in the future.”

George Pindar School is part of the Hope Sentamu Learning Trust, alongside nine other primary and secondary schools across North Yorkshire.

10 June 2020