Introduction
From 2018- 2023, SUN delivered‘ Marginal Gains’ which was a programme developed by COSMOS Engagement which looked to target students who were potentially disengaging from schools and, over three sessions, looked to show them how making small improvements in a number of areas you their education and life, it would help them to achieve an overall goal. Though the evaluation of the project showed positives in many areas( developing skills, dealing with setbacks) it in did not achieve the desired effect when looking at building confidence, dealing with schoolwork pressures or motivation within school. As SUN faced budget cuts through grant funding, it felt timely to develop our own programme reflecting current research in this area( see Appendix 1) and embracing the‘ Taking Boys Seriously’ Principles developed by Ulster University.
The development of a new programme,‘ Empower Boys Programme’ was undertaken by the members of the SUN team, led by Pete Thompson( SUN Project Lead, Bournemouth University) using the context( appendix 1) and the research by Mark Roberts( author,‘ Boys Don’ t Try’) to focus on elements such as teamwork, self-improvement and intrinsic motivation.
The Empower Programme uses a strength-based approach to help develop boy’ s self-efficacy, emotional literacy and motivation. We provide a supportive environment for boys to engage in open discussions, use their voice and listen to the views of others. Also facilitating their voice to be heard beyond the classroom. We also support boys to explore their own identities and develop a healthy understanding of masculinity. In addition, the programme offers opportunities and support for schools to build upon the themes of the workshops.
The programme is split into two 2-hour workshops, delivered 2-3 weeks apart. In the first session the workshop explores:
• Recognise and developing their skills
• What motivates them and the barriers they face as young people and young men
• Asking the students to reflect on the role school and education plays in their future
The second session explores:
• Looking at the risks and the risk of inaction
• Looking at how they can use visualisation techniques
• Making an informed choice.
How was the evaluation conducted? The pre and post surveys were distributed within Workshop 1 and at the end of Workshop 2. They were designed using questions from the SUN survey bank based on the SUN Progression Framework and SUN Evaluation Framework.
The questions are based up upon the contracts of the following scales, but worded for our target audience
Q1. I am confident in expressing my thoughts and belief Q2. I am good at dealing with setbacks in and out of school
General Self- Efficacy & Education self- efficacy scales Academic Motivation Scale( AMS / SAMS)
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