Our current programmes
Using workshops, tools and support from educators, Kick Start helps young people to identify their goals and to work towards a future career that suits their skills and ambitions.
The Heroes Programme (KS3 and KS4 Learners)
Many young people find school unhelpful and isolating. Their sense of frustration results in negative behaviour that not only prevents them achieving today, but also in the future too.
The Kick Start team understands how the stresses of school, family, peer pressure and puberty put young people at risk of making poor choices. We also recognise that developing young people’s critical thinking skills, social skills and emotional intelligence is vital in giving them the stability and confidence they need to make the most of learning.
Our award-winning 6-week programme encourages personal, social and emotional development whilst empowering young people to become the heroes of their own life stories.
The programme enables students to:
- Raise their self-awareness
- Have a more realistic view of their strengths and self-worth
- Identify and achieve realistic and healthy goals
- Feel confident in their own abilities
- Interpret situations they find themselves in and positively influence their social environment
- Improve their own learning, performance and problem solving skills
- Enhance their communication skills by learning to work with others
The Hero Journey (Years 11 and 12)
Young people who have no goals can become apathetic, depressed and cause destructive behaviour. In this 2-hour session, Joe Constant tells his own dramatic life story. This real, honest, funny and sometimes painful retelling is supported by music and pictures.
The Climb (Years 9 – 12)
A 1-2 hour presentation that teaches learners the qualities they’ll need to achieve their dreams and goals, taking inspiration from Joe Constant’s future trek on Mount Kilimanjaro. It will also help them recognise the behaviours that can hinder them. This fun session includes exercises, activities, group participation and prizes.
Headroom (Years 8 – 11)
We are in the process of developing a new online survey tool that students can complete and talk through with teachers or peer educators. The tool covers a range of topics and helps students to become more aware of their strengths, interests, hopes and goals.
As our Headroom journal encourages discussions between student and a Kick Start coach or teacher, the programme supports teachers and help them understand some of the possible challenges that students may face in or out of school. This approach can help to focus limited resources and provide specific assistance and strategies to reengage students.
Careers and education advice (All students)
After taking part in our Heroes programmes, we offer students further advice they need to help them to fulfil their career ambitions. Career information and guidance workshops are also available to whole year groups from years 8 to 11.
We can advise students on next steps, such as obtaining information on specific jobs, or simply help students to explore their options.
During our 3-hour course, inspirational speakers talk about their own career paths and, thanks to our technology, we can bring people from business and commerce into the classroom.
Students get the opportunity to ask important questions about choosing a career, arranging work experience and interviews. At the end of the session students will make an action plan that they can work towards.
