Knowsley lays foundations for exam success
Harnessing the latest technology is set to enhance and personalise learning in Knowsley for children who would normally struggle to gain GCSEs particularly in maths and English.
The programme called Firm Foundations is being backed by Hollyoaks stars 
Ashley Davies who plays teenage mum Amy Barnes and Kieron Richardson who please Ste Hay, Amy’s boyfriend, in the teenage soap.
Amy and Kieron launched the initiative that will use a range of traditional and innovative approaches to encourage learning amongst 15-16 year olds.
This includes online learning, pod casts, revision programmes and the ability to download video clips to help young people to develop their own individual learning alongside one to one tuition.
Click here to see more images, watch video footage or listen to the podcast from the Firm Foundations Launch.
Knowsley Council aims to build on the nine year’s of continuous improvement in GCSE results while also equipping young people to succeed in the workplace and improve their life chances.
The Firm Foundations programme is being delivered by the Council in partnership with schools and will include:
- 50:50 Challenge – Students will have access to online learning resources such as pod casts, video clips and worksheets at schools, city learning centres and libraries on Saturdays and after school. The aim is to pass the ALAN – adult literacy and numeracy – test which is equivalent to a GCSE pass in maths and English. Students will be eligible to receive up to £50 in vouchers for sitting and passing the test.
- Personalisation – Personalised Learning opportunities for all with tutors including targeting pupils with the most need, both in terms of addressing under performance and pushing excellence.
- Red Letter Days is one of the more innovative projects planned which will include an individual experience to offer incentives to pupils to achieve. These experiences are sure to be unforgettable!
- Excel residentials - Selected cohorts of pupils will be given intensive coaching and tutoring in key subjects like Maths and English. However the two or three day residential will also involve other activities such as life coaching and character development.
Damian Allen, Executive Director for Children Services explains how this is about making sure learning methods are tailored to the individual needs of students: “It is well documented that all of us learn differently, some visually, some by listening and others by reading. To help make sure that our students are learning as effectively as possible we have introduced a range of resources to help maximise potential, wide opportunities and inspire and motive young people to learn”.
“Firm Foundations is about making sure our young people take control of their own learning with the support of a tutor so that they achieve the best results they can. Motivating students to achieve is a main aim of the programme and that is why we are offering incentives for passing tests.”
All final year students will receive personal revision packs with tips and resources to help them prepare for their exams. They will be challenged to achieve a GCSE or ALAN (Adult Literacy and Numeracy) pass in maths and English and to raise their predicted grades by one in at least one subject between mock and real exams.
Councillor Graham Wright, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services said:
“Examination results have improved steadily in Knowsley for nine consecutive years, but we are not complacent. We know that attainment needs to improve further, particularly in maths and English. Firm Foundations shows Knowsley determination to help our young people get better exam results. Research suggests that where you live and relative income can determine performance with exams. However, we want to equip our young people, their parents and families with the skills they will need to succeed – either in future academic or vocational study or for the wider world which is why a functional maths and English qualification – either through a GCSE pass or an ALAN qualification – is essential.”
