Aiming high

Aiming High is an early intervention programme, developed to work with year 7 pupils at risk of exclusion from school or displaying a variety of behavioural or social needs.

Aiming High blends monthly outdoor learning experiences from January to June with group work sessions held in school with identified key workers. These sessions are a key component in helping participants to transfer newly developed skills back into the school.

Aiming High develops a partnership with the school. This partnership supports the school's culture and offers extensive support. In return Aiming High requires the school to commit to supporting the programme and its participants.

Aiming High is a 100% attendance programme. Participants cannot just select activities that appeal to them.

The support of their parents or carers helps reinforce a consistent message and it allows feedback between the project, school and parents.

Each young person contributes to the Rights, Respect and Responsibilities contract which sets guidelines around acceptable behaviour and what is reasonably expected from them and the staff.

Aiming High encourages healthier eating to see how diet can affect behaviour.

Other projects

Aiming High is targeted at Year 7 pupils, however the model can be adapted to work with a variety of groups whilst working towards the ethos of Aiming High.

If you are interested in what Aiming High has to offer and would like to discuss the specific needs of your group, then please contact the project co-ordinator.

What Aiming High can offer you

• All qualified instructors.
• All equipment requirements for your group.
• A well structured and managed programme.
• Progression of high quality learning activities set to challenge the group and individuals
• Support for lead workers and groups from the Aiming High Co-ordinator.
• A safe, but challenging environment.
• An event to share the successes of the young people.
• Continuous monitoring of students progress throughout the programme
• An opportunity to experience what Hampshire's Outdoor Service has to offer.

Aiming High requires

• The groups need to have a the head of year or an experienced teacher to lead the group with support form one other competent person that would have experience of working with challenging groups and know the young people.
• The groups are required to provide their own transport to and from each venue.
• The group leaders are responsible pastorally for the groups and will liaise with the Aiming High co-ordinator as to any issues prior, during and after the sessions.
• The group leaders are jointly responsible for the discipline and control of their young people at all times with the Aiming High team during the programme. Whilst school rules will still apply, there is also a need to reinforce the Rights, Respect and Responsibilities contract which includes the consequences.
• In order for the Aiming High project to have maximum impact, the groups need to follow up all outdoor learning experiences with regular sessions held at school. These sessions will look at the Rights, Respect and Responsibilities contract and ensure that they are being adhered to. The sessions will also aid the young people in identifying strategies by which they can successfully transfer skills learnt or developed in the outdoors back into the educational environment.
• Liaise with the Aiming High co-ordinator any about any issues arising from the groups or individuals including kit requirements.
• Communicate with the parent/guardians of the pupils to share information from the sessions and to learn of problems within the home. Also to keep parents/guardians up to date with the programming.
• A financial contribution towards the cost of each group.

The role of the key worker is vital

• Ideally the key worker will be the head of year, failing that they need to be an experienced teacher that is confident of working with pupils with challenging behaviour.
• The key worker is required to commit to every session
• They are to be seen as the link between the group and the Aiming High project.
• The key worker needs to be supported, at all sessions, by a member of staff that is experienced in working with groups displaying challenging behaviour and would be known to the group.
• Key workers are required to send out all of the information to the young people and follow up any issues.
• Hold regular group work sessions with the groups to follow up previous outdoor learning experiences, re-enforce the Rights Responsibilities and Respect contract within the school.
• Transport the group to the learning activities on time and prepared for the day. Following kit lists and joining instructions.
• Deal with all pastoral care of the group.
• Ensure that school rules and the Rights, Responsibilities and Respect contract are upheld during the programme
• Will be supported by the Aiming High Co-ordinator, who will offer help and advice.

School based sessions

The regular group work sessions held in school are vital to the success of the project. There is on average 1 month between each outdoor learning experience so there is the real need to keep learning fresh in their minds.

The content of these sessions will be dictated by any recent and relevant occurrences.

However, there are many topics that can be covered within these sessions.

Some suggested subjects

• Review of each outdoor learning experience - what worked, what didn’t work, how well did the group/individuals perform, what skills or learning could be transferred to the  school environment, how did they challenge themselves?, what would they like to try to do again?,
• Does the young persons behaviour reflect upon the Rights Responsibilities and Respect Contract and the school's culture?
• What triggers negative behaviour in school?
• Transference of skills to the classroom.
• Preparation for forthcoming session
• Recognise and praise any good behaviour or achievements.
• The effect of what they eat on behaviour, i.e. Additives, sugar, etc.
• Healthy lifestyles – do they do any physical activities? Do they smoke? How long do they spend playing video games or watching DVDs?
• Look forward to and prepare for the next outdoor learning experience.

Aiming High will give you the opportunity to achieve and succeed.

It is a once in a lifetime experience that will provide you with a variety of activities to challenge you both physically and mentally. You will feel tired and uncomfortable at times. However, you will also feel excited, confident and have fun.

For Aiming High to work you must follow these simple conditions

• 100% Attendance
• Be punctual
• Wear and bring the right kit
• Respect yourself and each other
• Be responsible for your actions
• Listen to each other
• Embrace a healthy lifestyle
• Support other members of your team
• Commitment
• Leave phones, Playstations, MP3 players, etc. at home
• Apply newly acquired knowledge and skills to school.
• Honesty
• Willingness to learn

What the aiming high project requires from parents/carers

Aiming High Project provides an opportunity for your son/daughter to achieve and succeed in a challenging environment that will stretch them both physically and mentally. We aim to address the behaviour in your son/daughter, but the project and your child needs your support to give it every opportunity to be successful.

The following points will aid in your child’s development

• Ensure that your son/daughter attends every Aiming High session on time.
• Supply your son/daughter with a suitable packed lunch.
• Ensure that your son/daughter brings the right kit to each session.
• Support your child throughout the project and embrace the ethos of the programme
• Keep the key worker/ teacher informed of any problems relating to the project, that may arise during the course of Aiming High.
• Attend the final presentation of Aiming High to celebrate your child’s achievements.