Background

A group of intelligent black boys were disaffected and on the verge of permanent exclusion. They exhibited challenging behaviour management issues for staff and in some instances affected the whole school equilibrium. Fifteen of the year 10 pupils were assigned to Herman Stewart to work with.

Activity

Herman took the time to unpick and understand the reasons for the boys’ poor behaviour. He introduced incentives, not only that the boys enjoyed but also motivated and re-engaged them back into learning.

Impact

The impact made with this group of young people was truly outstanding.
The percentage of black boys achieving 5+ A* - C grades increased within the year group (50% of Herman’s group achieved 5+ A* - Cs). Herman’s affect and positive influence on this group was life changing.

Verdict

Herman’s intervention was truly remarkable and proved he has the skills and qualities to help raise the achievement of those pupils deemed as at risk and socially excluded. He knows how to engage the disengaged and has helped many pupils to go onto further and higher education.

Sukhbir Farah
Deputy Head teacher, Hamstead Hall Community Learning Centre