Barry Smith - 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.