Selected students from Mayfield School and Charter Academy have again been participating in our Enhanced Support Programme for students on Extended Placements.

Lydia Lyons from Mayfield School has been attending her placement at Marks&Spencer (Portsmouth) every Wednesday since September, during this time Lydia has worked in a variety of departments she particularly enjoyed working in the Christmas shop.

Other duties that Lydia has taken on include assisting existing staff in the HR Department; Marks & Spencer's have recently had 2 French students who have been working on the British Safety Council Award to explain to these students the floor plan of the store which includes safety signage, safety equipment, fire exits, combustible stores etc.

Students on this programme have the opportunity to take part in a Community Challenge if this is more suitable for them than work experience and a group from Charter Academy have taken this option and arranged a concert to raise funds for the Haiti Earthquake Appeal.

The student's original idea came from 2 students's who planned to perform a music recital in school to raise money. However, other students were keen to be involved and the project grew rapidly; and so did their confidence as each member of the team took the lead on a particular aspect of the project and they decided they wanted to hold a musical evening in the church. Permission had to be sort to hold the event, posters were designed to advertise it, staff in the music department were recruited to help with auditions for the show and catering staff are making their facilities available on the day for the team to prepare refreshments ; which is no mean feat as they are catering for up to 200 people.

The concert will take place on Thursday 29 April from 6-8pm at St. Luke's church; tickets cost £1 and are available at the church on the evening. Refreshments will be on sale during the interval and there will also be a raffle.

I first met James McGuigan in December 2009 at Charter Academy School. Amanda Pullom, his mentor was looking for ways to re-engage James in learning and to improve his behaviour and attendance at School. Initially quiet and reserved, James became animated when talking about sport and helping young children.

A six week placement was secured with PFC study centre's Double Club programme, an innovative learning programme for Students in Year 7 and 8, using football to inspire and educate. A full programme packed to the brim with activities ensures that James is never bored. There are three school football coaching lessons, followed by numeracy and literacy sessions back at the centre. Under supervision and guidance of Adam Browne and Adam Lea he has grown in confidence to facilitate warm up sessions and is developing a fun activity to deliver to the students.

I caught up with James on his fifth week and he explained why this is an ideal placement for him. he would like to continue this scheme and eventually have a career in this sector.

The scheme has provided numerous benefits. His communication and interaction with adults and children has improved, he is applying knowledge gained to his PE course work and has developed ways to deal with difficult situations in all aspects of his life. In the past James hated Mondays and found it difficult to motivate himself. Now as soon as he wakes up he jumps out of bed and says "YES! today it's work experience."

Amanda spoke to me about the difference Jame's teachers have seen in him since the programme began. "James is a completely changed boy, he has grown in confidence, talks about work experience all the time and loves the responsibility of having his own desk. Being in a grown up environment has had a positive influence on James and his attitude in School."

" Thanks to EBP for giving us the opportunity to visit the Food Festival and Gunwharf to bake pizzas at the new Fire and Stone restaurant. The pupils really enjoyed themselves. If anything comes up like this again, we would grab any exiting activities available."

Giorgo Colombi
St Swithun's Primary School