Eli and Owen’s story
Students at Folkestone Academy found the On Track to Achieve programme, funded by Virtual Schools South Kent, and working with former Commonwealth Gold medallist fencer, and Trust Athlete Mentor, Claire Bennett a catalyst to improved stability and behaviour in school.
On Track to Achieve puts Champions shoulder to shoulder with young people to help them realise their full potential. Whether it’s building relationship skills, improving self-esteem or learning to stay focused – Dame Kelly Holmes Trust programmes and Athlete Mentors are there to help the next generation move forward with confidence.
We caught up with 12-year-olds Eli and Owen who shared their experiences of the programme
Fewer suspensions and improved behaviour one of the many plus points for Eli and Owen
Prior to their time with Claire, both Eli and Owen were struggling in school. Eli said: “I kept on getting suspended and was in isolation almost every single day. I was struggling to control my anger and was having arguments with my teachers.” It was the same for Owen – he had been suspended twice and struggled in his lessons.
A teammate like no other: It’s widely recognised that sport requires a high degree of discipline, responsibility and perseverance. Athletes have proven leadership qualities, positive mind-set and communications skills. They know how to achieve their goals and apply resilience during the highs and lows of competitive sport and life. Claire used her experiences from elite sport to show, explain and help these two young people to recognise that they have an incredible future.
Throughout the programme, Claire saw the progression of both young people, saying: “I am so proud of Owen and Eli. They showed real focus and commitment on this programme. I’ve seen them grow in confidence and they are now equipped with tools and coping mechanisms to help with managing their emotions and making the most of each opportunity that comes there way.”
Eli and Owen with Athlete Mentor, Claire Bennett
Eli and Owen share a passion for sport, and the programme helped them to recognise how sporting success, as well success in everyday life is all about teamwork – exploring and utilising this skill was something they both enjoyed. Speaking about the connection through sport, they said: “We both loved connecting with our group through playing different sports, it really helped with our focus.”
Both Eli and Owen are keen footballers and play for a local team and they felt the time with Claire helped them learn even more about ‘leadership’ and how to get the best out of other people.
Social Action Project further cemented the importance of teamwork
On Dame Kelly Holmes Trust programmes, young people are offered the opportunity to identify, plan and execute a project entirely led by them, with any support and help needed from the athlete mentors. The group are encouraged to come up with a project that is close to their hearts and will impact the local community around them.
The group at Folkestone Academy decided to run an afternoon activity and tea for a local elderly care home. Eli and Owen enjoyed organising seated football, seated boxing, a game of bingo plus home baked cakes and scones for the afternoon tea.
Reflecting on the project with the young people, Claire said: “The students from Folkestone Academy brought the residents so much joy, they had smiles on their faces from start to finish. Connecting with young people made such a positive difference, they felt heard, seen and uplifted. The also really enjoyed sharing their stories with the students and talking about their own grandchildren. It was such a positive and special experience.”
That feeling of accomplishment was a big thing for Eli and Owen, after all the planning, the execution went well, with the whole group playing their part. Eli said: “It made me feel happy and more confident, giving back to the care home that we went to. We left feeling so happy with what we achieved.”
Visiting local businesses
As well as the connection the group made with the care home, they were also offered the opportunity to visit Manston Airport, a local business which has opened its doors to On Track to Achieve participants from across Kent to give them insight into the world of work in their local area. The young people enjoyed speaking with the team at the airport as well as riding in airport vehicles and a round of archery!
The big thing for both the 12-year-olds was becoming more stable in their school environment and for them that meant fewer suspensions, less time in isolation and more time in school learning, connecting with others and progressing to the next stage of their academic life.
“I haven’t been suspended since I started the programme and I’m really proud of myself for that. Overall, I’ve been in less trouble, and I’ve achieved so much more,” Eli said.
Owen had a similar sentiment to his friend, saying: “The whole programme has been really fun, I’ve been more focused and disciplined and I’ve really enjoyed learning from Claire.”
On Track to Achieve at Folkestone Academy was funded by Virtual Schools South Kent. The team at Manston Airport kindly offered their time and facilities to the group.