- What is your job?
I co-ordinate a programme for talented young people from black and minority ethnic (BME) backgrounds in Bristol schools. Pupils attend weekend and after-school sessions. It was devised by the charity Windsor Fellowship and targets year 10 and 11 children who have the ability to attain five A*-level GCSEs.
I work closely with schools to prepare pupils for the programme and conduct initial interviews to make sure they know what they're letting themselves in for. We also arrange seminars to help develop pupils' personal skills and motivation.
- How do you make a difference?
We are trying to react against stereotypes, such as the unmotivated black boy who is good at sport. We do have highly talented young people but we need to show results and we can do that by working with schools and parents. Even young people who do not get the five A* GCSEs will benefit from motivation and encountering positive BME role models.
- What are the challenges?
Ensuring young people stay on the programme and maintain commitment throughout is essential. I liaise with schools and facilitators to make sure they have all the information and to check young people are on target academically. It can be hard with young people who are very talented in other areas such as sports, because we ask them to give up their weekend time.
- How successful is the scheme?
We're in our third year and the programme is a success on a number of levels. We have engaged with BME students at schools across Bristol, which has had a positive effect on performance and the numbers staying on for sixth form studies. We keep adjusting things to make sure we do better each time.
- What's the best part of the job?
It's seeing the young people engage with the programme. It shows we can buck the trend among our own young people. If that keeps happening, then we really can start to change the picture for BME young people.
