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At ELATT, our passion is for education that is inclusive and transformative, and this spring, our Sixth Form students took a giant leap towards achieving that themselves. Over the past eight months, eleven of our young learners (aged 17–19) collaborated with IT professionals from our industry partner UBS, to complete an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) alongside their Level 3 Digital and Technical studies. Guided by dedicated mentors from UBS’s technology teams, our students explored the mysteries of space while developing essential real-world skills, from critical thinking and research to presentation delivery and independent learning.
(This blog follows on from our earlier story about the project launch. If you missed it, you can read it here: ELATT Reaches for the Stars with UBS’s Help.)
This unique partnership culminated in an inspiring showcase event at UBS’s headquarters at 5 Broadgate, where students presented their 6,000-word dissertations, nearly equivalent to a final-year university paper in length and depth, to their mentors and ELATT staff.
Our partnership with UBS was created through a shared mission: to bridge the gap between education and industry, and to equip young people, including neurodiverse and underrepresented learners, with the tools to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
Thanks to the efforts of Raquel Daniels and Patsy Francis from UBS’s Social Impact UK Volunteering team, and Bruce Logan and Hariprasad Poojari from IB&NCL Technology Operations, our students received invaluable mentoring from over 30 UBS tech professionals. Their support went far beyond academic guidance: it boosted confidence, encouraged curiosity, and created meaningful connections that will last far beyond the final presentation.
“I was so nervous before the presentation, but I felt great when I had done it.”
– ELATT Student
“The range and breadth of topics that were covered today was amazing. I learned loads about space, well done to all the students!”
– UBS Mentor
This year’s EPQ theme, developed in our collaboration with the UK Space Agency and inspired by our Space in the Community Project, challenged students to investigate real-world questions about the universe, technology and the future of humanity. Topics included:
Through these projects, students not only deepened their technical and scientific understanding, but also explored broader questions of ethics, innovation and global cooperation, all while developing the academic rigour and research skills needed for future university or apprenticeship applications.
At ELATT, we’re committed to a whole-person approach to learning. Our enrichment programmes encourage Sixth Form students to develop not just academic knowledge, but the soft skills employers value most; collaboration, communication, resilience, and problem-solving.
The UBS mentoring programme brought this to life. It gave students a chance to:
“It was great to take our students out of the comfort zone of the classroom into UBS and present in 5 Broadgate – really challenging for our students”
– ELATT Tutor
“It is so good to see all their effort come together, and how confidently they presented”
– ELATT Student
We’re deeply grateful to the UBS IT staff who gave their time, expertise and encouragement to our learners: Jessica Zurawska, Gurprateek Singh, Lakshay Bhala, Ian Suttle, Mohammed Shaikh, Mus’Aab Hanif, Swati Agarwal, Cezary Nolewajka, Yoong-Xin Chong, Tarun Sonania, David Turner, Varun Aggarwal, Justin Thomas, Bharat Bedia, Ben Orija, Gavin Clark, Lauren Minichiello, Nandu Mahajan, Joachim Tan, Binu Luke, Anne McAndrew, Christian Timms, Apurva Maloo, Joshua Midgley, Gopi Palla, Hariprasad- Poojari and Gary Simpson.
Their support is part of a wider movement at ELATT to connect students with real-world opportunities, including volunteering, skills-sharing and industry experience.
At ELATT, we work every day to ensure that young people in London, including those with special educational needs or facing disadvantage, can access opportunities that unlock their full potential. Our students exceed national averages in achievement and progression, and initiatives like this mentoring programme play a vital role in that success.
Whether students go on to university, apprenticeships or careers in tech, they’ll take with them not just a certificate, but a renewed belief in what they can achieve.
We’re always looking for new partners to join us in shaping the future of education. If you’re an organisation looking to:
…then we’d love to hear from you.
Get in touch via our website or contact us on LinkedIn @ELATT.
ELATT is an award-winning learning community based in Hackney, offering free education and career development opportunities to Londoners of all ages and backgrounds. Our Sixth Form supports young people aged 16 -18 or 19+ with EHCP, with a strong emphasis on inclusion, wellbeing, and preparation for life, work and further education.
Our mission is simple: to inspire people to achieve the skills they need to flourish in life and work.
The sky is not the limit. At ELATT, we help our students reach for the stars.
© ELATT 2024 | East London Advanced Technology Training (ELATT) is a registered charity in England and Wales 299186, registered company 01812908
