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5.3 Harlaw Academy, Aberdeen

Arts Based Behavioural Support (ABBS)
(An Adventure Education)
Harlaw Academy Aberdeen

Background
A Steering Group was set up to advise and monitor the scheme, which was then submitted successfully for Excellence funding. Guidance Staff helped to select the pupils and engaged them in on-going review. Six S1's going into S2 were thought appropriate for this pilot scheme. It had been emphasised by the Steering Group that this was not solely a 'naughty' group but was also available for pupils who were suffering low self-esteem, communication problems, attendance problems, etc. The group also had to 'gel' and if it contained a majority of aggressive pupils, the less confident would simply be unhappy and refuse to attend. The group finally selected comprised of four boys and two girls, experiencing a range of school problems - disaffection, disruption, detachment, truancy, lack of confidence and boredom. We also asked a senior pupil to become part of the group, acting in a pastoral capacity. Some staff were dubious of the initiative, seeing it as a 'reward' for poor behaviour. The Headmaster made the aims of the initiative clear at a whole staff meeting and the nature of the group was made apparent to all.

Timetable

May - Approach made to Headteacher with proposal for ABBS. Development time allocated for development of ABBS.
June - Formation of Steering Group. Selection of pupils in consultation with Guidance Staff. Interviews with pupils. Evening meeting with parents. Bid for funding. Cover arrange for T Stockman's classes. Arrangements made with community arts. Senior pupil approached for addition support for ABBS.
September - Pupils go to film-making course. Diary kept of pupil activities.
October -Pupils go to film-making course.
November - Pupils go to film-making course.
January 2002 - Pupils go to photography course.
February - Pupils go to photography course. Parents informed of pupil success. Pupil/parent evaluation.
March - National Award, 'New Ideas in Education'. (Scottish Executive) Pupils awarded colours ties.
April - Pupils go to dance course.
May - Pupils go to dance course. Evaluation.
June - Selection/interview of pupils. Evening meeting with parents. Arrangements made with Community Arts. Bid for funding. Senior pupil approached for additional support.