End of the first phase

Today saw the end of the first phase of the project, the getting to know each other phase.  It was important for the students, both the leaders and the KS3/4 pupils, to build up confidence and self-esteem so that trust was obvious between them.

Todays session was a chance to have a bit of fun and cement that relationship with some silly games, after half term we move on to developing numeracy and literacy in the sessions.

I started the session by meeting the boys at Herbert Thompson and getting them set up on Edmodo.  We are using this programme to support the collaboration between all parties to keep the same message going throughout.  The leaders can interact with the pupils and I can add in where needed.  I also intend to use it to support some of the literacy and numeracy work by getting the students to reflect on their sessions in the pool.

So back to todays session.  The leaders set up a course that had the boys having to balance on floating mats to get to a certain point to then have a shot at the basket.  They then added in a further challenge of having to dodge some balls being thrown as a distraction.  This activity had a lot of safety rules in place and it was a real testament to the leaders that they ensured this was all in place before the activity started.

We also started to use Class Dojo on the iPad to support positive behaviours and we tracked how well they were doing throughout the session.

Can’t wait for next term