Academic Coaching
In this annual, 8 week programme, over 30 students from across the town took part in the OX14 Learning Partnership Academic Coaching programme.
Coaching is a valuable and important tool in today’s society that helps unlock an individual’s potential and maximise performance through the coach/ coachee dialogue. Sixth form students attended training sessions where they were introduced to the GROW coaching model which provides a scaffold on which effective coaching conversations can be based. It provides structure to enable a conversation to progress towards clear actions and outcomes. With the aims of getting staff and students from across the town to collaborate, build relationships and stronger self awareness, the programme has led to older students coaching each other as well as younger students on a personal goal.
Around 15 younger students in Year 8 and above joined the coaches for 4 sessions where they worked on topics such as procrastination, keeping calm in exams and working to tight deadlines. Offering this support to each other and younger students from another school setting helped the coaches develop skills of teamwork, communication, listening and awareness of civic pride.
Aims
Student collaboration.
Development of skills for life.
Background
This programme developed from previous subject specific mentoring programmes during lockdown when students needed more general coaching support and wanted to develop wider skills. A group of teachers from all the schools involved discussed how they could best provide this opportunity and get students together in a way that worked Covid restrictions. The benefits of an online programme meant student accessibility was widened and opportunities for virtual collaboration were increased. Now in its second year in this format, we look forward to continuing the programme making small changes in response to feedback.
Resources
In the first year of the programme outside agencies were used to support the coaching training. This year, teachers provided the training using resources developed between them. The programme runs for 8/9 weekly sessions and has been online up to now. Access to devices is vital, some students took part at home while others remained at school. This flexibility allowed for greater student access and convenience. Staff attendance and supervision was also an important part of the programme and required additional staff time. Students may use the coaching as part of their ASDAN leadership award, for which there is a small fee.
Impact
A student survey is carried out at the end of the programme to measure student and teacher experiences with a focus on goal setting and collaboration. Additional comments from students and staff are useful in supporting the planning and delivery of future programmes.
Pupil Involvement
Sixth form students from all 6 schools took part in the programme to become coaches. There is a real mix of students which is a real benefit. Younger students from 13 - 16 were involved in the second part of the programme as coachees and worked with the coaches on their personal goals.
Frequency
This programme runs for 8/9 weeks with two time slots each week for an hour. This is an annual programme run which runs from January to March.