The Spark Programme report

Inspired by attendance at the Boys’ Impact Conference in September 2024 and the work of its founder, Alex Blower, Inspiring Choices launched a new pilot programme, entitled the Spark Programme. Spark is directed at male learners in Year 11 that have become disengaged with their education, acknowledging that working class boys are one of the lowest attaining groups at GCSE and are more likely to make decisions about their future later than their peers. Utilising the Taking Boys Seriously Principles (TBS) (Ulster University), the aim of Spark is to encourage boys to make considered and timely decisions about their future learning and recognise that they can be successful. Specific focus was placed upon their interests and local FE pathways. Spark was designed to prioritise a small group, allowing for positive relationships to develop. 

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