Are We Included?
Working in partnership to embrace place-based school improvement strategies

Session 1 - Getting to know each other; Positive role models.
Session 2 - Aspiration: Jobs, career, or courses
Session 3 - Access: Building Confidence
Session 4 - Attainment: The importance of ‘doing your best’ and how you do that
Session 5 - Achievement; Communication.
Session 6 - Celebration event at the University; campus tour, certificate ceremony, recap on what we have learnt
I saw a significant improvement in the confidence levels of 2 of our quieter pupils over the programme. It was really great to see them speaking out in groups and laughing with the mentors
This programme is a great tool to build aspirations in our young people and give them hope for the future
Being part of this ground-breaking project has provided me with a valuable addition to my pastoral toolbox, as I am able to encourage students to reflect on their involvement and participation in the project when they have approached me for support in times of anxiety or low confidence
Being a mentor for ‘Are we Included?’ was a great experience for my own personal growth and for the growth of my mentees. I saw the students become more open and good at speaking in an unfamiliar group, and it was nice to be able to build their confidence in themselves and their skills
My time with Suanne, George, and the mentees I worked with has been nothing short of incredible. I have learnt so many new skills that I will be able to take forward in my future study and career. It has left me feeling very proud that I have played a part in helping young people with their career aspirations, giving them the tools to succeed
There was one girl in particular who exhibited the most change… Her pastoral teacher told me that they had noticed a new openness in her and that she had started working more effectively with the support systems
I’m thinking more about my future and what I want to do when I leave school. Before I didn’t have a plan; I was like “go to uni… maybe… don’t know!”, but now I have a plan. I want to be a biomedical scientist
My favourite part of the programme was probably speaking about my goals and my achievements in school. I just enjoyed speaking about it to somebody because I don’t usually get to do that
It’s changed the way I feel about myself and what I want to do in the future… it can make you feel better about yourself – that’s what it did for me!