Some 55 local primary school children – who spoke 16 different languages and half did not speak English at home – were at the University for a week as part of SMASH, a programme organised by the University’s Access Partnership Team and local charity, Level Trust.

83% of the children felt they were ‘very good’ at speaking English by the end of the week, which involved confidence-boosting sessions, developed by a range of Media, Art and Design, Education and Early Years students.

The primary school Year 5 aged children, who came from institutions including Dallow Primary School, Denbigh Primary School, Downside Primary School and Foxdell Junior School, were helped with speaking, reading and writing.

Sessions ranged from drama, story-telling, poetry, singing, dance, to set design and much more.

Highlights included a visit from a theatre company who gave a performance all about different book characters and the daily talent show where children, students and staff could show case their skills to the group.

There was also a competition for the best behaved teams of children, where reading individually or as a group was encouraged.

The week culminated with the children’s work, and performances, being shown to parents.

Riyana Shah who attended SMASH, said: “I liked team time and reading a group book. The activities have helped me with drama, reading and confidence. I really enjoyed it.”

Becky Heard, Access Partnership Lead Officer, said: “This collaborative project was fantastic!

“We were able to successfully work within the community to help young people gain confidence in their abilities and experience the University of Bedfordshire. It also helped with work experience and employability skills for our current undergraduates; who were a complete asset to the programme.”