Fairfield Revisionists go to Dartmoor
Boosting your grades with a blast of nature
One week before Maths and English GCSE’s were to be sat by Year 11 pupils, Imayla worked in partnership with a support project in Fairfield school to give students the chance to study in a totally different environment to help boost confidence, motivation and self-esteem.
The African Caribbean Attainment Project that forms part of the Supplementary and Mainstream Schools Alliance (SAMSA) invited 16 students to attend a 3-day residential visit Oakhampton Youth Hostel on the edge of Dartmoor National Park.
In the mornings teachers delivered fun-packed revision classes specifically designed to enhance knowledge and boost grades In Maths and English. Though it was January, in the afternoons students were rewarded with an array of adrenalin-packed activity - cross country mountain biking, high and low ropes, trekking and archery - all of which took place in the picturesque environment of Dartmoor and designed to challenge and help students face their fears.
About Maths Lessons:
“I’ve picked up a lot of use- ful things in maths, that I just didn’t seem to get before.”
“I have learnt all different types of ways of solving problems.”
About English Lessons:
“I have learnt how to make simple sentences more complex and interesting.”
“I now know what is expected and what I need to improve.”
About the Environment and Activities:
“I have learnt more about the countryside, it’s actually a very nice place to be.”
“ I can hear myself think which makes a change.”
About Staff:
“Staff have been great. They always tell you that you can do anything if you try. I did and I can.”
“I would like to thank SAMSA for running this trip. I feel very privileged, I got a lot out of it.”
Post mortem:
Of the 16:
- 10 achieved one or two grades higher than their target grades
- 4 achieved their target grades
- 2 failed to achieve their target grades