Project Update – January 2025
In January 2025, we reached out to Sir Graham Balfour School for an update on their project. Here’s what project lead, Hayley Healey, had to say …
“I’ve been lucky enough to chaperone the students a couple of times and I’ve got to see them in a different environment. It was so nice to see. I know in terms of confidence, some of the girls are now completing their English speaking exams with confidence and attending more lessons than being in the student hub.
As a result of the club – 4 of our regular attendees have asked if we can help in anyway attending further classes (in the evenings). We have provided the 4 with a 10 session pass to support this.”
Hayley Healey, Pupil Premium Lead and Teacher of Science at Sir Graham Balfour School, Stafford, submitted her bid to fund an extracurricular club targeting learners who have previously found it difficult to engage in sports and/or after school opportunities. The CrossFit course runs in 8-week blocks throughout the year and the funding applied for was for up to 50 learners to participate in the course over the academic year. .
It provides learners with access to professional equipment and trainers for their physical training and fitness. In addition, the course does not just help with physical fitness but incorporates elements of mentoring, teamwork and personal growth. By participating, learners will develop important life skills such as resilience, perseverance and self-confidence.
The bid impressed trustees because it was clear to see that this opportunity for an off-site after school club would have potential to engage learners who had not been able to participate in clubs offered at school. In addition, trustees agree that the physical activity combined with teamwork was likely to impact positively on academic engagement and eventually outcomes.
