Treetops, teamwork and tracks
Treetops, Teamwork and Tracks
Students at schools in Southampton had the chance to put the confidence, resilience and teamwork skills they’ve been learning in their On Track to Achieve sessions, funded by Southwestern Railway to good use, as they took on the treetop challenge at nearby Go Ape!
On Track to Achieve is a wellbeing programme designed for 11-19 yr olds who would benefit from the support of a positive role model to achieve their potential. Delivered in school, our world class athlete mentors work with students to improve confidence, resilience and wellbeing, equipping them with a winning mindset that’s ready to achieve.
Young people in Southampton schools Woodland Community College and Oasis Mayfield have been working with Liz Johnson, former Paralympic Gold medallist swimmer, and Hannah Beharry, former British and European champion boxer.
Liz shared some of the benefits of the programme:
“You really see the the development and the change in their confidence and other skills, and the way that they gel together as a group from the continuity of seeing each other and me regularly”
Woodlands Community College teacher, Jenna Dymott agreed on the noticeable change in young people’s confidence:
“I’m seeing some students that could barely speak in front of anybody, now talking to loads of different people.”
Motivating and aspirational, the programme helps them build healthy relationships in school and with the wider community, and understand the importance of physical and mental wellness. With a strong focus on their own personal development, it promotes positive behaviours and attitudes, and sets them up to achieve in education, work and life.
Funder, Southwestern Railway, invited the group to visit a local station to learn more about how the station operates, where they could travel to, and the variety of roles available in the rail industry.
Liz commented during the visit:
“Specifically with this programme, because we get to engage with the staff that work for the train company, they’re really getting a real-life insight into how those skills [that they have learnt on the programme] could help them in the future and the range of jobs that are out there and are possible”
And this is echoed in the young people’s feedback. Jasmine tells us:
“I’d say one of the biggest things that’s changed for me, I’d say probably my confidence talking in front of people because before I came on this programme, I never used to speak a lot in the class... But now I feel like I can talk more in front of my peers. I think this is going to help with my future by improving the way I speak to people and the way I present myself towards other people. So if I was to apply for future job interviews and everything, I would have more knowledge and more confidence in doing so”
Teacher Jenna sums it up:
“It’s been really beneficial for them to learn what it is that’s available to them, not just in the local area and where they can go and all the the different networks that are here and available for them to get out of Southampton, go travel around to different areas but also possible future career and aspirations. I don’t think many of them realise just how much was available career-wise here and how accessible it can be for them if it’s something they would like to pursue”