ARTICLE: NAPCE Officer Eileen Donnelly reflects on her role in the successful use of the ‘Pupil Attitude to Self and Schools’ (PASS) Survey in NI Schools    

Using ‘Pupil Attitude to Self and Schools’ (PASS) Survey in Northern Ireland – the game changer.

Schools in NI keep student’s wellbeing and pastoral care at the heart of what they do. This is clearly reflected in our students’ academic achievements. Nevertheless, there appears to have been a recent awakening as to the futility of discussing the struggle between supporting students’ educational achievement and their personal health and wellbeing in isolation.

The two are inextricably linked and it is clear from the use of data that students cannot become the best version of themselves without self-belief, and they cannot have self-belief without feelings of academic success.

Measuring academic success has always been relatively easy through teacher assessment and external examinations, having an insight into and ability to measure student’ perceptions of their self-worth and ability to succeed in life is a very different matter.

The game changer for schools in NI has been the growing use of GL Assessment’s ‘Pupil Attitudes to Self and School’ (PASS) survey.

A Head Teacher described it as “the most insightful and enlightening tool available to schools this decade“.

In my role as the NI Consultant for GL I have been instrumental in supporting schools in successfully administering PASS testing to ensure accuracy of results, correct analysis and interpretation of scores to build a profile of students’ perceptions of themselves as learners, and providing intervention strategies which target specific identified needs. The latter has involved both whole school strategies and a comprehensive personalized mentoring programme for individual students.

PASS is the only psychometric assessment specifically designed to spot attitudinal or emotional issues in students before they impact on school performance. It takes 30 minutes to complete and is used in primary and post primary schools to provide an analysis of individual pupils’ perception of themselves and their barriers to learning.

Teachers report that the PASS survey successfully pinpoints students who they have already identified as disaffected and are already moving up the referral ladder. They claim however that, in addition to being a tool to identify such students, PASS also enables a better insight into the students’ feelings of low self-worth, self-confidence and alienation allowing teachers a more empathic understanding of the root cause of the problem.

This alone is revolutionising intervention strategies. The shift of emphasis turns to addressing the identified underlying and causational feelings and attitudes rather than focusing only on the resultant behaviour.

Others report that the data identifies ‘at risk’ students who might otherwise have gone undetected. Low scores for self-perception, self-regard and resilience raise red flags for immediate interventions.

A school counsellor commented: “Following a school based workshop with Eileen on the interpretation of data I identified the need to worked with Student X. The data opened the door enabling the conversation which she would not otherwise have initiated.”

Schools’ responses to these findings are usually centered on individual or group mentoring delivering the brain-compatible intervention strategies which form part of the intervention programme PASS: Motivational Mentoring and Classroom Strategies‘.

I have refined and honed the latter over a period of ten years following evaluation reports from teachers and feedback from students. Teachers give it 100% effort and report significant improvements in both PASS scores and class assessments, re-emphasizing that educational achievement and students’ personal health and wellbeing go hand in hand.

One teacher commented: “(The) Increase in PASS scores are mirrored in class assessment in the short term and in the long term in PTE and PTM scores, they go up together and all too often go down together.”

A Head teacher, also reflecting on years of experience analyzing PASS scores said: “Transition periods are critical, our students do not have the resilience to cope with change, we are putting a greater emphasis on induction programmes and team building exercises at these crucial times“.

Whilst the benefit and results of using the PASS programme has quickly become invaluable, we must, however, also be aware of the irrefutable link between parental engagement and their young peoples’ attitudes and behaviours.

The teachers’ plea, ‘aren’t parents best placed to address these issues? Do parents have the knowledge and skills to prevent these underlying feelings and attitudes from arising in the first place? How can we best support them to support us’?

The response has been the introduction of the ‘PASS Parenting Programme’ which has been shown to successfully build the capacity of parents to address more specifically Factors 1, 5 and 8 in the report. In the delivery of the workshops I help parents gain an insight into their young peoples’ attitudes and feelings and, perhaps most significantly, ensure they feel empowered to help them. Follow up support activities are also arranged through the school.

The school / home partnership ensures we keep wellbeing at the heart of what we do and sharing the PASS report with Parents enriches the support given to students. In partnership with schools and their parent groups I will continue to make a significant contribution to the health and well being and academic progress of young people, and in NI, this will be primarily through delivery of GL’s PASS survey and targeted intervention strategies.

Eileen C Donnelly 
Educational Consultant & NAPCE NEC Officer

ARTICLE: NAPCE Chair Phil Jones Offers a Fresh Approach to School Management During the Crisis

An Educational Response to a Crisis

The crisis that we find ourselves in, has meant that in education we have had to think about how we support teaching and learning.

Teachers have been working hard to continue teaching and engaging learners in a situation where there was very little time to prepare for the challenges that would be faced.

It has encouraged new approaches to leadership and management in education. The structured hierarchy approach to leadership and management does not seem relevant in the current circumstances.

This model which focuses on scrutiny of individuals work and compliance to consistent expectations does not seem to be appropriate.

What seems to have emerged is an innovative approach to respond to different needs which is based on sharing initiatives and ideas.

This process involves educational professionals inspiring each other across a school without the constraints of departments or structures.

The available technology is being used to cross school boundaries and enable collaboration and a drive to find new ways of supporting learning. Educationalists are working together in fluid teams motivated by the desire to solve a common challenge.

Educationalists are exploring new approaches to accountability.  It may have seemed impossible only a few weeks ago but educationalists are being innovative and exploring new approaches to teaching and learning, without the threat of unexpected visitors or measuring how much progress has been made in percentages, to motivate them.

Teachers are being motivated in the current circumstances by professional pride, to make a positive difference to the learning experience of young people.

Does this suggest that teachers can be more creative and develop more effective learning for their students, when they are not constantly monitored and measured? That teachers can be inspired by an expectation, that they will at an appropriate point be asked, to demonstrate the impact they have had on the learning experience of the young people they work with. Motivation is provided by the opportunity to take risks and to try something different in their teaching.

Limited face to face time with learners has encouraged educationalists to think carefully about the educational process.

What is the priority for the limited face to face time available through video conferencing and other technology?

• Delivery of content and knowledge.
• Tasks to develop understanding and relevant skills.
• Activities to apply the knowledge and understanding.
• Providing feedback and opportunities for reflection.

With face to face time rationed in the current circumstances, teaching can be adapted to quickly provide learners with the information and activities they need to enable them to make progress.

It becomes more of a priority, to support the young people with making sense of their learning experience and this becomes an important use of the limited face to face time available.

Pastoral care in this context becomes a proactive activity to support and motivate young people to become confident and effective learners. Investing teacher time, in this process ensures that young people have a purpose to the effort they are making with their learning and encourages their personal development and well- being. Old fashioned tutoring suddenly becomes a valued part of the learning process again.

It provides opportunities for a new partnership approach to learning between the tutor and the learner.

The Tutor becomes a key person in the learning experience of the young person, and they work together to find the most effective approach to using available resources and activities to support their learning.

The priority becomes finding the most effective approach, to developing an understanding of ideas and the skills needed, to be able to apply them effectively.

This approach to teaching and learning does not require strict timetables, that learners have to comply with but the focus is on supporting the learner with the organisation of their learning experience and the support they need to make effective progress in developing their understanding and skills.

The learner has some choice and responsibility for which activities they do first and for finding the resources they need to complete them.

Educationalists should use the opportunity provided by the crisis to explore positive changes, in our approach to teaching and learning, that use technology to enhance the learning process and make a real difference in preparing young people for life in the modern world.

The crisis has shown us, how important human interaction is in education and when we have the opportunity, pastoral support and tutoring needs to be placed at the heart of the learning process, for young people in the future. Please send your thoughts and ideas to NAPCE about how we can use our current experience, to enhance the education of future generations and make their learning experience relevant for the 21^st century.

Phil Jones, National Chair, NAPCE
April 2020

TEACHING RESOURCES: Island Adventure – A Cross-Curriculum Learning Activity 

Island Adventure – A Learning Resource for Parents & TeachersGuidance Notes

This is a cross curricular resource that develops a wide range of learning and personal skills.

It can be used with learners from different ages. How much help and guidance are needed will depend on the age of the participants.

The activities can be completed individually, in a pair, or a small team. There are some activities where it is suggested that ideas are shared, and this discussion could be in person or using some form of technology.

There are some activities that require research online, but it has been developed so that learners do not have to spend all their time on a computer screen.

The resources could be used as a competition between different participants, pairs or teams with somebody marking and awarding points.  It will work best if learners can be given one activity at a time.

The activities could be completed in a short period of time or completed over a longer period. Guidance support and clues can be given as appropriate to keep the learners motivated and engaged.

The resources could be used by learners working in the same location or working on their own at home. I have suggested some extension activities.

Once learners are familiar with the resources there are, I am sure many opportunities for extension activities especially if they can interact in person or online with other learners. If they do interact online with other learners, please be aware of safeguarding and be aware of who they are communicating with.

The resources develop the following learning skills and personal attitudes.

• Communication skills
• Problem solving
• Numeracy
• Literacy
• Reflection
• Resilience
• Organisational skills
• Creative skills
• Evaluation
• Research
• Planning
• Self-awareness

I hope the resources are useful and would welcome any feedback or suggestions to philjoneseducation@gmail.com

1. Find the location of the Island. The island is ten miles off the coast of a country. Break the code to find out the name of the country.

14, 1, 4, 1, 7, 1,19 ,3, 1, 18

2. Research about the country? Are these Facts True or False?

• The country is in the Pacific Ocean
• It is the worlds 4^th largest island country
• There are several small islands close by that are part of the country
• Its flag is red white and blue
• One of its official languages is German
• It is ruled by a king
• It became independent from Spain in 1960
• It has a population of 26 million
• People drive on the right
• It is a member of the united nations.

Find ten more facts about this country

3. Your Application to go on the adventure What skills positive attitudes and personal qualities do you think you have that would make you a good person to be invited to go on this adventure. Write a letter of application to explain why you would be a good person to choose to go on the adventure

4. The Adventure Team

You will need a boat to travel the ten miles from the mainland to the island. There will be room in the boat for your and four more people with enough fuel to make one journey back to the mainland. Who will you choose from the applicants? Who will be the most useful on the Island? You might like to discuss your choices with somebody else in person, by e mail or some other form of communication.
Put the people into an order of priority and give reasons why you would choose the first four.

Your four choices
1
2
3
4
Reasons

5. Draw a map of the Adventure Island

There is nobody living on the island and no shops. You must include

• A harbour
• Four emergency telephone boxes
• A beach
• A cave
• A wooden shelter
• A river
• Fruit trees
• A zip wire
• A waterfall

What else will you include on the island? Add as many places as you think are appropriate.

6. Supplies

You will be going to the island for 7 days. Make a list of what you need to take with you. There is enough room on the boat for five boxes of supplies. You could discuss your choices with somebody else to share ideas.
Work out how much you think the supplies that you will need will cost.

7. Radio Interview

A local radio station has heard about your adventure and wants to interview you. Work out what questions they could ask and what your responses might be. You could practice this with somebody else to get more ideas. Write out you interview as a script.
Interviewer – So what do you think will be your biggest challenge when you go to the island?
Adventurer – making sure that we do not get attacked by any wild animals

8. Preparations

In making your preparations you need to research which animals you might find on the island and which ones might be dangerous. The following animals will be on the Island, but which ones are most dangerous.

9. Dairy

A newspaper contacts you just before you are about to leave on the adventure. They agree to pay you if you will write a diary each day and send it back by e mail to be published in their newspaper. Start your diary from Day One when you travel form the mainland to the island and describe what happens. Write your diary for the other six days to describe your adventure and what happens to you each day. You must stay on the island for seven days or the newspaper will not pay you the money they agreed in the contract.

10. Finding Treasure

You and your team have arrived on the island. Write the following numbers next to each of the telephone boxes. You might like to share your thoughts and ideas with another person.

9874082              8243587                    1113112                    9874082

The treasure is hidden in one of the telephone boxes. The clue is playing cards.
Can you find where the treasure is?

11. Newspaper

Using your diary write the front page of a newspaper report about your adventure. You can include any pictures maps or drawings that help the reader to understand you experience.

12. Extension – Write a plot for a film about your adventure

You need to decide
What the main story will be
What characters will be in the story
What will you need to be able to make the film and show it to other people?

Design a poster to advertise your film

ANSWERS and CLUES

1. Give a clue – Think of numbers as letters

The code is
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12,13,14,.15,16,17,18,19.20.21.22.23,24,25.26
A B  C D  E F  G H  I   J    K    L   O   M   N  P  Q   R   S   T U   V  W  X  Y    Z

The correct country is Madagascar. The Island is situated off the coast of Madagascar.
If you are giving marks it could be for how long it takes them or for how well, they kept going to find the answer.

2. Research about the country? Are these Facts True or False?

• The country is in the Pacific Ocean – FALSE Indian Ocean
• It is the world’s 4^th largest island country – TRUE
• There are several small islands close by that are part of the country – TRUE
• Its flag is red white and blue FALSE red, white and green
• One of its official languages is German. False French and Malagasy
• It is ruled by a king. FALSE President
• It became independent from Spain in 1960. FALSE from France in 1960
• It has a population of 26 million. TRUE
• People drive on the right TRUE
• It is a member of the United Nations. TRUE

You can award marks for how many they get correct. They could be given the answers to mark themselves or somebody can award marks. You can give marks for how well they work. You could make it more challenging by having a time limit.

3. Award marks for the quality of the letter and the ideas included. It could be peer marked by another learner giving it marks out of ten for example. 
4. The Adventure Team

There is no right or wrong answer, but it is the quality of the reasons presented that is important. If you are awarding marks, then they could be given for the reasons presented for the 4 people and how sensible their choices have been. 

5. Draw a Map of the Adventure Island.

Marks can be awarded for the quality of the map and the ideas about which places to include in addition to those requested.

6. Supplies

Award marks for the reasons for their decisions and how well they can do the research and calculations to work out the costs

7. Radio Interview 

Marks could be awarded for the quality of the script that is produced; they could be asked to conduct the interview and marks given for how well they present it.

8. Preparations

In making your preparations you need to research which animals you might find on the island and which ones might be dangerous. The following animals will be on the Island, but which ones are most dangerous.

All these animals are found in Madagascar. The ones that are most dangerous to humans and pose the biggest threat to life are the Nile Crocodiles and Black Widow Spider. 

9. Diary

Marks could be awarded for the quality of the communication and the creativity and ideas included. It could be marked as one activity or marked as a diary each day

10. Finding Treasure

You and your team have arrived on the island. Write the following numbers next to each of the telephone boxes. You might like to share your thoughts and ideas with another person.
9874082              8243587                    1113112                    9874082
The treasure is hidden in one of the telephone boxes. The clue is playing cards.
A further clue could be to think of the numbers on the picture cards in a pack of cards. The correct answer is Jack (11), King (13) Ace (1) Queen (12)
So, the treasure is hidden in the telephone box with the number 1113112

11. Newspaper

Using your diary write the front page of a newspaper report about your adventure. You can include any pictures maps or drawings that help the reader to understand you experience.
Marks could be given for the quality of the writing. The ideas included, and presentation. 

12 EXTENSION – Write the plot for a film about your adventure.
You need to decide
What the main story will be
What characters will be in the story
What will you need to be able to make the film and show it to other people?

Design a poster to advertise your film
Marks could be given for the thinking about the project, sensible and realistic ideas, how well they are explained and presentation of the poster. You can give marks for how creative and imaginative they have been.

MEETING REPORT: Chair & Secretary’s Report from NAPCE’s March 2020 Meeting & AGM

 
NAPCE Chair/Secretary Report 2019/20

The Association through the National Executive Committee (NEC) continues to maintain strong financial management and governance. The National Executive Committee at its meetings and through the work of its members ensures sound strategic planning and internal accountability for the activities of the Association. The strategic priorities for the NEC this year have been;

1. Planning events and conferences, where appropriate in partnership with other organisations to ensure that NAPCE is active in the educational world.
2. To expand the activities of the NAPCE to enable the Association to interact with an increasing number of people with an interest in pastoral care in education.
3. To develop the role of NAPCE as a provider of training and professional development, to share theory and good practice in pastoral care
4. To continue to develop the structure and organisation of the Association to meet the current and future needs of its members.
5. To raise the profile of NAPCE and the Journal in the educational world

Members of the NEC have been working on different aspects of the strategic plan, in between the face to face Committee meetings. The NEC continues to work closely with the Editorial Board to support their work in developing the journal and to maintain its excellent reputation. The Association has a positive relationship with the publishers of the journal, Taylor Francis.

They continue to be an important partner in the future development of NAPCE and by providing a regular income to provide financial stability. In May 2019 the Association organised its own National Conference for the first time for many years. The conference explored important issues about Mental Health and Wellbeing.

It was an opportunity to continue the discussion, following the publication of a special edition of the journal in 2018 about mental health and well – being. The speakers at the conference included, Tim Boyes, Chief Executive Officer for Birmingham Educational Partnership, Professor Stan Tucker and Professor Dave Trotman, from Newman University. Speakers from OFSTED, ASCL and MIND also made contributions to the conference. Workshop leaders included Celina Bennett from Squirrel Learning, Melanie Glass from Newman Health and Well-being and Catherine Harwood from NAPCE. Delegates were able to visit displays from The BBC Starting School Campaign, Compassion Matters, The Thrive Approach, Aston Villa Foundation, Services for Education and NAPCE. There were 85 delegates attending the conference and some of the comments that they made about the day included.

• “It was really informative and lots of ideas to take back to school”
• Great update on national picture and progression and hurdles with mental health in schools and wider society.”
• Very informative, thought provoking and inspiring.”

• The information given today can only help me and the staff I work with to support the young people in the school and each other.”

NAPCE continues to form partnerships with organisations with similar interest and values. The Association was once again actively involved in the planning and delivery of the Association of School and College Leaders, (ASCL) annual conference for Pastoral Leaders in January which took place in Birmingham. The Chair was invited to deliver a workshop on a new model for pastoral care in schools and NAPCE had a stand in the market – place which was organised by the Secretary.

This was an excellent opportunity to raise the profile of NAPCE with delegates mainly in leadership roles in primary and secondary schools, with pastoral responsibilities attending the conference, from all around the country.  There were many visits to the NAPCE stand during the conference with delegates interested in finding out about the work of NAPCE and how they could be involved. ASCL have said that they want NAPCE to be a partner in the planning and the delivery of the 2021 conference for pastoral leaders. Another organisation that NAPCE has developed positive links with is UK Pastoral Chat, which shares ideas and good practice in pastoral care.

In June 2019 NAPCE were partners with UK Pastoral Chat in organising a conference in Coventry with the title ‘Pastoral Care That Makes a Difference’.  The Chair was the co-host for the conference and four members of the NAPCE NEC, gave Keynote presentations on different topics. Some of the delegates comments about the conference included,

• “Lots of great information to take back to my school.”
• “Great conference. Great to hear from speakers who have so much knowledge.” 

• “It was great to connect with other pastoral colleagues and be inspired by some great speakers.”

Other educational organisations that NAPCE has had contact with this year include MIND, Blue Sky Education, The Thrive Approach, Safeguarding Network and Ofsted.

The National Executive have taken positive action to enable the NAPCE to interact more effectively with other people who share an interest in education.

NAPCE is pleased to continue working with Iain Johnson from Noise PR. Iain is managing our social media and supporting the Association with its publicity and marketing. Iain has made a huge contribution to raising awareness about the work of NAPCE and is making a real impact in helping us to achieve our aim of interacting with more people who share our interest in pastoral care. The impact of his support can be seen in increased followers on social media and contacting NAPCE.  Iain produces a monthly newsletter for the Association, which has seen a growing number of people requesting a copy and an increase in the number of people opening and reading the newsletter each month. Members of the Executive Committee write articles for the Newsletter and there have also been contributions from other organisations. The newsletter enables the Association to keep members informed about current developments and events with a pastoral care focus. This increased interaction has seen more interest, for the first time in many years in membership of the Association. Although there has only been a small increase in membership, it demonstrates that the work to increase awareness about the work of NAPCE is having an impact.

NAPCE continues to work with Taylor and Francis to develop the Association’s web site. The Association’s Twitter feed on the website provides the latest news and information and there are links to planned events and activities.  This ensures that the Association is providing its members with current news from the world of education and information to support them in their pastoral roles.

The increased contact with the Association through the website, social media and contact with Base has continued this year.

There have been requests for advice and guidance on a wide range of pastoral issues that members of the National Executive have responded to. Many of the contacts have been about advice on good practice in pastoral care and guidance about the roles of pastoral leaders, pastoral staff and designated safeguarding leads.

NAPCE has produced national guidance on pastoral care and a review process to support members and schools in the development of their pastoral structures and systems. NAPCE through its Twitter page provided support and inspiration for developing the role of the form tutor with the, ‘Twelve Positive Approaches to the Effective use of Tutor Time.’ These are examples of how NAPCE is stimulating discussion and ideas about good practice in pastoral care.

A new initiative developed by NAPCE this year has been the National Awards for Pastoral Care. This has been developed in partnership with UK Pastoral Chat who are inviting nominations through Twitter for their awards, for good practice in pastoral care. The hard work of Iain in promoting the awards has raised the profile of NAPCE across the country and we were very pleased to have had many nominations in the 7 NAPCE categories. An independent panel of judges will now select the finalists and winners and it is hoped to organise a presentation event to announce the results in the future.

Plans and discussions were taking place about the 2020 national conference. Following on from the success of the conference in 2019, delegates will be invited to explore the question, ‘Does Every Child Still Matter’?  Even though it was some time ago, the most requests for downloads from our ‘Journal Pastoral Care in Education’ are for articles about the ‘Every Child Matters’ agenda, in the 1990s.

The plan is that the conference will develop ideas about good practice in pastoral care that are relevant for the next decade. The programme has an impressive list of presentations and workshops and includes contributions form NAPCE’s National Executive and Editorial Board. The conference once again takes place at the Studio Conference Centre in Birmingham. This event has now been postponed because of the Covid-19 crisis.

NAPCE is working in partnership with UK Pastoral Chat to support a Pastoral Conference in Coventry on Saturday 27^thJune. Details are available on the UK Pastoral Chat Eventbrite page.

NAPCE continues to work with Newman University in Birmingham to develop a Certificate in Pastoral Care Course and is exploring options for other accredited professional development programmes. Unfortunately changes in staffing at the university have meant that the launch of these courses has had to be delayed.

Members of NEC this year have contributed their energy, skills and expertise to the Association to enable it to continue to expand its activities for its members and raise its profile in the educational world. The Base has continued to be the point of contact for the Association Contact is made through the telephone, email, the website and social media. The activities of the Base support the organisation of the Association and the work of the NEC and Editorial Board.

The National Executive Committee welcomes suggestions about how to raise awareness, of the work of NAPCE, and any suggestions about how our members can contribute to discussions about future developments in policy and practice in Pastoral Care and participate in activities to raise awareness about important issues in this area of education.  Thank you to all members of the National Executive Committee, Editorial Board, Melissa O’Grady, NAPCE Administrator at Base, Iain Johnson at Noise PR, Lyndsey Upex, at the Pastoral Care in Education Editorial Office and Abi Amey and her colleagues at Taylor and Francis, for your support, contributions, energy and ideas this year. Following the hard work over the last few years, NAPCE has now established the foundations to enable it to make a significant contribution to encouraging positive approaches to pastoral care in the future.

Phil Jones, Chair, NAPCE
Jill Robson, Secretary, Chair