Following the pandemic, the ‘ExCEL’ programme identified and worked with the 10% most disengaged learners in each year group. Those learners with the lowest ‘attitude to learning’ scores were identified by the Pastoral Team and vulnerable pupils or those eligible for free school meals were prioritised. This was approximately 120 pupils, 24 from each year group. Progress Leaders were responsible for meeting weekly with learners after school. Sessions focused on developing learners’ softer skills: growth mindset, good learning habits and independent learning.
Upon selection of learners, parents/carers were contacted to explain the purpose of the programme and the reason for their child’s selection. The benefits of ‘ExCEL’ for their child, barriers to learning and bespoke interventions were discussed and targets agreed. A home-school partnership agreement formed an integral part of this programme.
On a half-termly basis, learners participated in a range of sessions to improve specific areas in need of development. Barriers to attendance were overcome by the provision of transport home, rewards in the form of refreshments and recognition of positive engagement.
After a successful first year of raising the attainment, attendance and engagement of the school’s vulnerable learners, Corpus Christi continued ‘ExCEL’ into 2022-23 as it evolved into a programme that supported the school’s improvement priorities (SIP). All staff involved received further training to equip them with the skills to provide sessions on literacy, numeracy, mental health, behaviour and attitudes to learning.
