Renfrewshire Libraries Homework Helpers Clubs

1. Renfrewshire Libraries Homework Helpers Clubs

2. I am the LAW • Library • Activities • Worker

3. Exploring OSL • Homework Clubs and their role within the OSL project. • Our other partners involved with the homework clubs. • How we organize our clubs. • The people involved with our clubs. • The aims of the Homework clubs. • Are we meeting those aims? • Do homework clubs in libraries change lives

4. Winners of Renfrewshire Council’s Partnership Award 2003

5. Sports • Residential weekends at Inverclyde Sports Center • 90 children from Friday to Sunday • Sports Activities 45 min session • Art Activities • Creative Writing • Disco

6. Museums • Starquest evenings at Paisley Observatory • Time Box events where children document events in their community’s life • Time Capsules.

7. Arts • Drama Productions • Fashion Shows • Radio Shows • Documentaries • Dance Projects

8. Weekly Timetable

9. Criteria for Referral to O.S.L. Pupils with • low self confidence. • interest in reading/ writing/ computers academic issues ¨ • behavioural issues ¨ Pupils who are • isolated/bullied • from a low income household • undergoing family problems   • in care/ with foster parents Pupils who receive • Study Support at school   • Home School Support • Social Work Support

10. 12 Week Forward Planner using Teresa Breslin’s book Body parts

11. Sample of evaluation sent of Head teacher after activity

12. Creative Ventures • Creative Writing • Reader Development • Drama Workshops • Storytelling • Web Site Design • Graphic Illustration • Expressive Arts • Author Visits • Radio Shows

13. Before the Bell Clubs • Ferguslie Primary • Craigielea Primary • St Paul's Primary • Moorpark Primary These were introduced after requests from children on their evaluations

14. Meet the gang • Sheila • Tom • Alison • Karen With children from various Homework clubs

15. LIBRARIES • CENTRAL • FERGUSLIE • FOXBAR • GALLOWHILL • GLENBURN • LINWOOD • RENFREW • SPATESTON • TODHOLM

16. It is the aim of the Homework Helpers Club to provide an informal, relaxed atmosphere where pupils will be supported in homework, learning activities, coursework, and exam revision, plus help in specific needs or topic research. The main outcome of the project is that the children’s confidence would be built, social skills enhanced, imaginations opened and the children will reach higher standards. Aims & Objectives

17. Targeted Children 88% of the children were targeted by the school to attend because of specific support was needed in the following areas: • Behaviour 13 % • Confidence 38% • Social skills 28% • Academic Progress 21% 

18. Academic Changes • 72% improved performance with homework club contribution

19. Behaviour • 53% children improved • 47% remained the same • 72% improved interaction • 75% more self confidence • 25% remaining the same • None of the children’s behaviour got worse.

20. Children’s point of view • 93% said homework club helped them with their homework • 80% felt it helped with other things : self confidence, computer skills or making friends • 67% made new friends • All the children wanted to come back next year.

21. The children are actively targeted. Activities are geared for the children’s needs Constant feedback to and from schools Partnership with external agencies Staff employed only to work with children What’s so different about our clubs

22. Do Homework Clubs Change Lives?

23. “I would like to say how valuable the storytelling sessions are to the children taking part. The five pupils from Williamsburgh Primary all managed to tell their stories to the Primary 3 class with confident professionalism. I was delighted with David’s development. He showed himself to be a talented storyteller and very encouraging to the others in the group. Stephanie at first seemed very shy and self effacing but we discovered she had a wonderful way with words and was also a natural storyteller. Everyone in the group became more aware of what the members felt and how they could work well together Senga Munro, M.B.E. Storyteller “I like coming to the homework club because it helps me with my homework and reading. It helps me with my drawing. I can meet lots of new friends, I can get out of the house.” Ainsley Kidd, Craigielea Primary “It is the best thing in the world. We get to know Alison more and she is a great homework helper. Alison has lots of stories, games, and lots more and she is good for a laugh.” David Dawson, Williamsburgh Primary “It is good because you can make new friends, I also like to get more education and you can read more books.” Nicola Dockerty, Ferguslie Primary What they say about us

24. “I have noted that our children have become enthusiastic about reading about their homework and working on the computer after their time spent in the library. We have found that the reputation of this club has resulted in children behaving well so that they are included in next year’s club.” Eileen Low, Head teacher, St. Catherine’s Primary “Trinity High School has been involved in a number of ventures with O.S.L. which have played a significant part in the development of the young people involved. The PACE group, provided by OSL, is providing another excellent opportunity for a group of young people to participate in a programme to develop self confidence and self esteem. The group is enthusiastic and it is a delight to witness how the shy, quiet student develops self-confidence - enough to stand up in front of an audience and perform.” J. Nellaney, Head teacher, Trinity High School School Reports

25. What we have looked at today • Homework Clubs and their role within the OSL project. • Our other partners involved with the homework clubs. • How we organize our clubs. • The people involved with our clubs. • The aims of the Homework clubs. • Are we meeting those aims? • Do homework clubs in libraries change lives