Stepladder
In 2010, more than 40% of London students left school without five good GCSEs (including English and Maths), a situation that is likely to cause them significant problems in future life.
Stepladder targets students likely to underperform at key stage 4 (GCSE) and provides them with regular and personalised study support over two years. The programme has an impressive track record tranforming students like Oliver so we are optimistic that SHINE's funding will enable even more teenagers to knuckle down and step up.
You can read more about Stepladder in SHINE's 2011 Supporters' Magazine (page 7). Download Now
The grant recipient
The Stepladder Foundation is a not-for-profit business aimed at teenagers who are statistically more likely to underachieve. It works to help them fulfil their potential and contribute their talent to the workplace and economy.
The Stepladder Programme
What it aims to do
Stepladder intends its participating students to:
- remain in school
- increase in confidence
- improve their GCSE grades
- go on to sixth form and university.
How it works
The programme runs for two years. Each year, students attend 10 full day Saturday sessions. These are led by an education consultant and supported by other teaching professionals, sixth form mentors and past graduates of the programme. They are based around core themes that include English, maths, science and IT, as well as study skills and personal development.
Between each session, each student receives a personalised programme of follow-up support, such as mentoring, revision sessions or tutorials on specific subjects. The programme also includes trips to universities and companies and guest speakers from politics, commerce and the arts. There are also workshops to help parents better support their child's learning.
Results
The two year Stepladder programme has been running in London and Birmingham for the past 10 years with considerable success. It enjoys high attendance from a traditionally difficult to engage age group; students have achieved higher grades at GCSEs than their peers and many continue into higher education and eventually secure productive, fulfilling jobs.
The funding
SHINE funding supports Stepladder's two year programme for a group of 14-16 year old students in Redbridge, Tower Hamlets and Newham in east London.
Funding: £60,000 to the Stepladder Foundation, over two years (2010-12)
Visit Stepladder's website
