School: Hope Academy, Newton Le Willows Merseyside
Referring member of staff: Head of behaviour
Causes for concern:
- Lack of respect towards staff and pupils
- Handling of emotions
- Lack of adherence to school rules
- 50% of academic time spent outside of lessons
- School consequence system having no impact
- Concern over potential vulnerability in the community and at home
BC was referred to the Think Fast programme for a period of 10 weeks. The programme aimed to deliver a positive behaviour and well-being programme whilst teaching the children Boxing. The programme also provides the children with a guest speaker on relatable topics which as a school we felt would provide support for BC which is just not accessible during school time.
A member of Think Fast staff made an appointment to visit our school and spoke with BC directly to see if Think Fast was something which he might like to take part in. BC appeared to be excited about the prospect of being a boxer and explained that he had previously tried Boxing.
The positive behaviour programme in which BC took part in alongside with the Boxing has had a major impact on both BC‘s school and home life. He is now able to control his emotions much more maturely having learnt and discussed reasons for his outbursts and understands the consequences of his behaviour. He is now able to make much better choices in school and has learnt to like his teachers understanding that they want the best for him. He has learned to be respectful and as a result has formed much better friendships.
He has also learnt to like the Police! and understands positions of authority and their roles and responsibilities.
However more importantly BC’s self-esteem and confidence in his academic abilities have improved. A lot of BC’s behaviour was a result of not being able to sit and concentrate and engage in the format of lessons. Through working in partnership with Think FAST we have learnt that BC thrives on interactivity and discussion, and he is very bright which has led to better differentiation within the classroom for him to help reach his true potential.
BC has taken up Boxing outside of school and attends Think FAST’s Boxing gym once a week working still with the Think Fast coaches. This has built trust, removed BC away for getting drawn into anti-social behaviour and provided him with structure, routine and discipline whilst building on the foundations of the Think FAST programme. He now has an outlet for letting out his anger and emotions constructively and he can see and feel that this has helped him. BC has the potential to be a very good boxer and now feel a sense of achievement.
As a school BC’s overall reduction in weekly behaviour points have been incredible. Previously being awarded in the region of (number) each week this reduced to ( x) during his time at Think Fast.
BC has now started Year 9. So far, his positive behaviour is good. He will always have his challenges however he now has strategies, a support network and can make the right choices much more maturely.
- Improved respect towards staff and pupils
- Handles his emotions more effectively
- Has begun to follow school rules & implement boundaries
- 80% of academic time spent inside of lessons
- Started to attend boxing sessions on an evening so this has reduced the concerns for him in the community