Rise to the Challenge

Knowsley Project aims to raise the grades again this year

Huyton Today reporters Chloe Hakkesteeg and Joanna Radley interviewed Mary Belchem, the headteacher of Knowsley Hey School about the impact of the Plus One Challenge.

Ms Belchem explained that the Plus One Challenge offers a range of incentives and support to pupils in schools across the Borough in order to encourage them to improve their examination grades. Last year, the project was aimed exclusively at groups of year 11 students, but has now been extended to pupils in years 9, 10 and 11.

Last year, 65% of students who took part in the scheme improved their results by at least one grade. Ms Belchem believes that in conjunction with a whole school effort to raise standards, the project can have a positive effect on the attainment of pupils. “Of course the Challenge is not the only thing we do to help pupils to achieve their potential; it is one of a number of things we do to try and improve grades,” she said, “but I do think it made people aware because of all the advertising on buses and taxis and I think parents got involved.”

This year’s Plus One Challenge incentives will include cinema tickets, Megabowl passes and Everton FC and Liverpool FC match tickets. As was the case last year, a personal computer will again be awarded to the most improved year 11 student in each secondary school.

As well as the incentives, support will be available through Easter revision schools, extra lessons after school and at weekends as well as accelerated learning sessions. The council has further developed its use of new technologies: e-Mentors are available on-line to help pupils with English, Maths and Science. The Plus One Challenge team have also set up a revision website at www.knowitall.org.uk offering support and advice to pupils.

Further information about the Plus One Challenge is available from Knowsley Borough Council’s Education and Lifelong Learning Department on 0151 443 3232.