Learning about Learning

I’ve just completed the interim evaluation of the ALPs programme, reporting on progress thus far.

In summary:

The programme has improved links with partner organisations, particularly Telford College.  There has been siginificant benefit to the young people on the programme as a result of this, providing opportunities on the Sports Leadership course that almost certainly would not have come along without the work done in S3.  There has also been very close working with the Integration team, Active Steps and Mobex.  In particular the links with the Integration team have helped with work being done in the community as the Integration Team are ‘well kent faces’ with the youngsters.

Incidents in school have reduced by more than half for the group, compared with the preceeding 15 week period.

Exclusion statistics were too small to make a meaningful comparison, they remained constant as compared with the preceeding 15 weeks.  What is significant is that there was no third term ’spike’ as in previous years for this cohort.

Attendance was not improved overall, due in large part to the statistics being heavily influenced by the poor attendance of a couple of individuals.  Attendance on programme activities was very good overall.   Two youngsters have left the programme because of family re-location.

The youngsters involved and outside agencies working with them were positive about the experience thus far.  Each youngster has an idea of their desired destination beyond school and is working with the school’s career officer to establish their own individual pathway.

Work experience opportunities are being taken up by the youngsters to help build their portfolio of employability skills.

Every youngster has had the opportunity to undertake a college placement this year.  So far four youngsters are involved in college programmes of one form or another.

In conclusion, we are well on the way to reaching our goal of having each youngster leaving school for a ‘positive’ destination.   It has for me re-inforced the notion that in terms of the school curriculum more choices does mean more chances.

If you would like further information about any of the above or a copy of the interim evaluation please get in touch.

I found out at the weekend I have passed Unit 4 of SQH, this is a tremendous relief as I was slightly concerned about whether my submission had covered all the bases.  It was a pleasant surprise to receive my tutor’s comments and I can now look forward (maybe!) to the next 7 months and completing the Scottish Qualification for Headship. 

We are very much now on the home straight and I almost can’t believe how quickly the time has passed. I’m really beginning to focus upon where I can develop myself further in terms of my career.  I’ve had some encouraging experiences as well as some doors closing, which is a part of the process, but my confidence is really growing with each passing unit and the feedback I get from ‘the day job’.

…..changing the way I and others perceive my blog or reflecting the fact that I drink gallons of coffee, either way my new theme is wholly appropriate!

“Drink more coffee, do stupid things faster and with more energy” as my colleague’s coffee cup states!

I took part in an interesting exercise on perception and diversity last night.  As part of the leadership development programme of a French Electricity Provider (EDF) we (the band in which I play) posed as waiters, serving the participants a meal before spontaneously breaking into a song, dance and African music performance. 

Afterwards we introduced ourselves to the delegates, explaining who we ‘really’ were, an Italian neuroscientist, Spanish primary teacher, American masseur, Senegalese dance and theatre instructor, Glaswegian law lecturer, Nigerian/Irish student, South African professional musician and some bloke from Airdrie.  A more diverse group you’d be hard pressed to find.

The point of the exercise was to challenge the delegate’s own stereotypical views and assumptions on who and ‘what’ we were.  It worked a treat, they were blown away!

The interesting part for me was that I learned more about the people I play music with in that one evening than I have in the past four years.  I had made certain assumptions about my friends which were based on nothing more than good old ’face value’ and most of which were totally wrong I have to admit!  It was as much of a learning experience for me as it was for anyone else I’m sure. 

It brought very clearly home to me how little I really know about those I work with.  My feeling about this is that it is a shame.  We all wear our ‘work face’ and present what is required to get things done in a professional manner, but because the job is very often so hectic we get precious little opportunity to really get to know others or allow them to get to know us.   

I know that there wil be exceptions to this rule, but ask yourself this question, how many people with whom you work do you really know? 

I don’t think not knowing your colleagues diminshes professionalism in any way but on some level I perceive(there’s that word again) it to be negative.  Without having any ‘proper’ information about someone, the mind is free to run away with it’s many stereotypes, positive or negative, to fill in the blanks, just as both I and our French delegates duly demonstrated last night.

So the long and the short of this tale is that I am committed to getting to know people a bit better!  First stop is via having the Guidance team entered in the East Lothian outdoor education staff challenge tomorrow which should be great fun!

I’m currently struggling to get back in the habit of blogging after a long summer break.  It’s making me re-visit why I’m doing it.  I’m spending much less time on the computer in the evening these days and having a breather from SQH reading after the Unit 4 submission. 

I have defined the blog by my work towards SQH so maybe I’ll pick things up again when the next taught days arrive at the end of September. 

Have been preparing the ALPs interim report which has been an interesting experience.  It has been a mixed bag of successes and setbacks, quite a learning experience for me.  So far however I’d say that on balance it has been a positive exercise for all involved.  This year will be crucial in preparing the group for life beyond PLHS.  Our mentors and careers adviser will hopefully come into their own in providing appropriate guidance for each individual and ensure they have a direction beyond school.

Each student is having a one-to-one interview this week and then regular meetings with the school careers adviser throughout the year to ensure they develop a ‘pathway’ for success beyond school.