Opportunity
Alternative Provision provides a meaningful learning experience for students who are not thriving in a traditional classroom environment. Trainees develop skills over 18 weeks of training on various aspects of radio work.
Background
TA was referred to Alternative Provision by Norton Hill School due to his low self-esteem and challenges in making positive friendships. TA had people he referred to as friends, but his feelings were not always fully reciprocated. He was often the butt of their jokes and felt socially excluded despite trying to fit in by saying or doing silly things. TA could be sensitive and sometimes tearful, mainly if he thought he was in trouble. During TA’s first session, he completed the WEMWBS Wellbeing scale (Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale). The team were concerned that he scored '1 - none of the time' on the statement ‘I’ve been feeling close to other people’ and '2 -rarely' for the statement ‘I’ve been feeling useful’. The trainers were determined to make him feel both welcome and useful during sessions. They began that process with active listening and taking a genuine interest in him.
In the second week, he confided to our trainer that he was being bullied. With his permission, we emailed the school and they quickly resolved the situation. After this TA was much happier and had developed a level of trust with our trainers.
“
I love coming to these sessions where I can just talk about stuff. I love listening to podcasts, this is not something I would usually do."
TA, trainee,, Sound Academy, Alternative Provision
“
After speaking to the music teacher at Norton Hill, I discovered that TA has an interest in and a talent for playing the keyboard. Seeing this as an opportunity, we supported him in creating a jingle for a show trailer. This gave him confidence in his ability to feel valuable and productive. We also realised that he has an excellent clear speaking voice and spoke naturally when recording, for which he was repeatedly praised. We worked together on interviews, and he uncovered an interest in journalism. TA created a podcast with another student and really enjoyed editing it. His confidence grew significantly from attending Alternative Provision and as the sessions progressed he always came in with a cheerful smile. He built a friendship with Tyran, which we hope will extend beyond the studio."
Maggie, trainer, Sound Academy, Alternative Provision
Outcome
TA compiled the music for a show trailer, composing the music himself and playing the piano. He has improved his journalistic interviewing techniques and podcasting. As well as valuable transferable skills, he has also shown increased self-esteem, improved mood and ability to socialise and collaborate.
Significant achievement
TA surprised himself at how talented he is at editing and how much fun he found learning to edit his podcast.
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