FEATURED SCHOOL: CHIPPING CAMPDEN

James Slattery, work related learning teacher at Chipping Campden, introduced me to a group of students who come from economically challenged backgrounds. The group are of mixed ability including 2 special needs students each of whom is accompanied at all times by a Teaching Assistant. All lack self belief and self confidence. There is  a lack of awareness of what it takes to hold meaningful day to day working relationships with adults.

The project is addressing all these issues. Many of the exercises take the form of games which encourage interaction with each other as well as myself. The course also includes writing and presenting a short story to the group. Each 2 hour session strikes a balance between enjoying ourselves together and developing team skills, conversational skills, as well as presentation skills. Stories will be presented to a larger audience later in the year.

Students will work with me for 2 years, beginning in year 10. In the second year, they will be joined by a new group of year 10s. The more able ones will act as mentors to this group, thus gaining a first taste of leadership. The project will run for 4 years.

Write ups are sent to James after each session. These are kept on file, along with feedback from students and staff, as a record of what is being achieved. This information can also form part of reports to Ofsted inspectors.

It appeared at first that funding was going to be a major obstacle. Enter Gareth Burton, Deputy Head, who knew exactly where the money might come from and who made sure it did! Chipping Campden have booked my services for 4 years.