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 Not all young people benefit from the
traditional school curriculum and need motivation to stretch
themselves academically or vocationally.
Kent is providing this wider curriculum choice through its 14-24
Innovation Unit and supporting
Towards 2010 targets. Innovative courses, such as those offered
by Skill Force, enable young people to develop team building,
problem solving and communication skills, discipline, motivation,
self respect and resilience.
The aim of the project is to provide support to primarily KS4
pupils in danger of disengagement, disaffection and possibly
exclusion from eight Kent Secondary Schools by delivering a
part-time programme of varied, practical and vocational activities,
learning and accreditation opportunities.
Skill Force has doubled the number of schools it works with in
the county. It is now working with students at Archers Court Maths
and Computing College, Hartsdown Technology College, Swanley
Technology College and Walmer Science College. Students from
Hextable School and Wilmington Enterprise College are also
attending Swanley Tech to take part in the programme there. The new
schools join Community College Whitstable, Minster College, New
Line Learning Academy and Sittingbourne Community College where the
scheme is now in its fourth year.
Three hundred students are benefiting from Skill Force tuition
and the number will increase to 400 from September 2008.
KCC Leader
Paul
Carter said: "I am very pleased that the Skill Force programme
is available to more young people in the county. It has made such
an impact since its launch, helping many to find a purpose, raise
self-esteem and has led to reductions in truancy levels.
Skill Force Leader Darren Hughes said: "It's great that more
young people are benefiting from this type of programme, which
makes a positive impact on them at an important time in their
lives. It is very rewarding to see the transformation these
youngsters make during their time with us."
The Skill Force courses offer vocational qualifications,
community work and life skills in a classroom and outdoor
activities based framework. Instruction and mentoring is provided
mainly by ex-armed forces personnel, who develop a close working
relationship with individuals and groups, building a culture of
respect and mutual support. The initial pilot phase of the
programme was externally evaluated by the Institute of Education,
University of London and was deemed a success. Impacts included
reduction in exclusions, improved behaviour, attendance, attitudes
towards education and attainment and resulted in students being
provided with a range of practical, vocational qualifications.
UK wide, 90 per cent of teachers in schools with Skill Force
teams felt the programme had been successful in improving
behaviour.
In July, students and tutors got together for an end of year
presentation. Gillian Boyle from Minster College was named Student
of the Year 2007 and was presented with a trophy from the 2006
winner Kyle Clarke, who joined the Skill Force team as an
apprentice after the programme turned his life
around. |