‘Kick Start: Blokes on Board’ is a literacy programme that has been on-going in South Leeds Academy (TSLA) since December.
Leeds Rugby Foundation, through the powerful brand of Leeds Rhinos. and TSLA project endeavours to get male role models/dads involved in their boy’s Academy education ‘early’.
With Leeds Rhinos input, TSLA Year 7s and their dads meet once a month between 5pm – 7pm, either at the school or at the stadium. There is some sport, some education, a Rhinos stadium tour, free tickets to a match, an opportunity to meet some Rhinos players…. It’s good fun but educationally sound. Overall, these students are being nurtured to understand and appreciate that it’s okay to like education, especially when it is challenging. Created by Ryan Thomas (Lead Teacher at TSLA) and Sam Horner from Leeds Rugby Foundation, it is designed to raise reading ages at a faster rate of progress than their chronological age and to engage the students in education through a focused and sustained programme over 8 months.
The last session was a great success. The pupils interviewed a Leeds Rhinos player and learned the value of endeavour through this process. They also had the opportunity to hold the Super League trophy and have photos taken to capture the moment. Literacy targets were set by themselves for April and they evaluated where they are at in relation to this goal at the moment. Going forward, we will be helping these Year 7s meet their ambitious goals through follow up sessions and coaching strategies.
Early indications are that this literacy programme is having an impact for those involved. 70% of the pupils involved have a male role model from home continuing to take an active part in their education 4 months into the programme and 50% of students have made clear progress in their literacy since this programme began. And there are still five months to go to help these young people empower themselves yet!
Ultimately, the project’s aim is to give pupils a chance to engage fully in their education and improve their literacy. Something we all want for our children.