Business mentors are being sought to make their mark on a highly successful programme improving GCSE results in Newcastle schools. The motivational programme Operation 607 - designed and run by Newcastle Education Business Partnership (EBP) - has helped more than 300 teenagers through their GCSEs since 2003, showing a 50% improvement in results every year since its inception. Mentors who offer their time once a month to support youngsters on the programme benefit from the experience, building on their own professional development skills while helping youngsters develop employable skills such as team work, communication and self discipline. "Under the programme, pupils are set tasks based on James Bond-themed missions," said Newcastle EBP general manager Gillian Bulman. "It was originally designed for boys because they were lagging behind the girls, but it has done so well that girls are now taking part. "More schools want to give their pupils the chance to benefit from these programmes, but we can only expand further with the help of partner businesses." Gillian designed the first programme in partnership with deputy head teacher Alan Glynn in 2002 in response to a direct appeal from Walbottle Campus in Newcastle, naming it Operation 603 (2003 being the year in which the programme's graduates would complete their GCSEs). It was so successful, it has spread to the other secondary schools in Newcastle since, with Operations 604, 605, 606 and now 607 supporting more than 300 youngsters. "We have seen a 50 per cent improvement in performance every year since it began," said Gillian. "This programme is unique in the UK and it has done so well that the Dutch are taking the model and adapting it. Importantly, this is not just about grades improving, although that has happened. This is also about developing the skills employers want. So, the students improve their punctuality and behaviour and also develop team skills and communication skills. "Because it is so successful, more schools want it, so our challenge is to find enough mentors. Business ambassadors are integral to the programme's success. "We would be very happy to name programmes after businesses which support us. This would ensure these businesses have a real say in developing good employable skills among young people who they may be employing in the future." Mentors meet with their team once a month over a period of eight months, developing their own skills as well as the pupils.
For further details, please contact Gillian Bulman at Newcastle EBP, tel (0191) 277-4444.
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