Sports and breakfast club: Abercorn Special School

Why?

A staff survey was used to profile pupils with challenging behaviour in school. Based on the evidence, a group of boys aged between 13 and 17 were identified, all with anger management issues or ADHD. Through consultation, it was decided that an early morning sports and breakfast club would be a positive way of supporting those pupils.

What?

The club follows a timetable of football, showers then discussion and breakfast, and is supported by PE staff. Whilst football allows pupils to burn off some energy, it has also become a useful medium for learning about rules and managing conflict. The discussion phase of the club is used to explore incidents – heated situations, loss of temper and walk-outs - that occur during the game. Through self-evaluation, peer group support and target-setting, pupils learn to consider strategies for managing their emotions. Pupils are encouraged to reflect on what they do well, in addition to when they could react differently.

How do we know it is successful?

A number of benefits have been observed as a result of the group,
• Improved attendance and timekeeping
• Reduction in disciplinary referrals
• A better understanding of rules and an ability shown by pupils to transfer these to the learning environment
• Improved attainment

Factfile

Abercorn is a special school with a roll of 120, located in near Glasgow city centre. Pupils have a wide range of additional support needs.

Want to know more?...contact Catherine McPhillips, Head Teacher, headteacher@abercorn-sec.glasgow.sch.uk