It's not just boys' schools that are targeted though. Mixed Stretford High in Manchester was placed in special measures after a damning Ofsted report 11 years ago, but has more recently been deemed ‘outstanding'.
It has a high percentage of students from ethnic backgrounds, mainly Indian or Pakistani, and the proportion of students who speak English only as a second language is well above average - giving a whole new meaning to offering students a chance to develop their ‘voice'.
What a din! Anyone witnessing breaktime in the playground of an all-boys comprehensive might scoff at the idea that the kids here need any help finding their voice.
Headteacher Adrian Whiteley begs to differ.
Mr Whiteley has worked at seven very different schools in his career, and seen all sorts of initiatives designed to engage particular groups. ‘But what I haven't seen,' he says, ‘is an initiative that tries to engage British working-class boys.' Do we need one?
He recognises that his horror of engagement is holding him back.
‘When I don't know something I don't ask because I'm too shy,' he explains. Ditto young Rhys, who's 14 and also cripplingly shy. ‘How am I going to have a voice if I don't have a voice in class?' These boys, according to Mr Whiteley, can turn into under-achievers if these issues aren't addressed.
Plans to introduce popular sport-related video games, such as Football Manager and Just Dance as part of PE lessons, were discussed during a meeting of the Scottish Association of Teachers of Physical Education.
‘They're two groups of insecure children who lack confidence and fear being exposed.
The problems are manifested in different ways, but it's the same root cause: lack of identity.'
Then there's the other type of ‘problem' pupil targeted in this experiment: the gobby one, too busy being loud and disruptive to want to engage in debate.
Step forward Charlie, 13, a force of nature whose minecraft pe mods teacher calls him one of the ‘naughty lads'. ‘When you look beyond the surface, both groups are similar,' says Mr Whiteley.
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Mr Almond said video games could never fully replace traditional physical education, but suggested games such as Football Manager could be a useful tool in encouraging more children into football.
Why Sony should be ashamed of trying to sell gaming device... Labour launches attack on public schools on tax and not...
'There is one way of using video gaming, where you're managing football teams which is an interesting thing you could do with young people,' he added.
For the teachers it was an eye-opener. He's bright, and there's a definite twinkle in his eye. ‘I was absolutely shocked,' admits Mr Whiteley.
‘I knew Ellis was quiet, but he's a lovely boy too. I was astounded to see he felt like that about himself.'
What a din! Anyone witnessing breaktime in the playground of an all-boys comprehensive might scoff at the idea that the kids here need any help finding their voice.
Headteacher Adrian Whiteley begs to differ.
Mr Whiteley has worked at seven very different schools in his career, and seen all sorts of initiatives designed to engage particular groups. ‘But what I haven't seen,' he says, ‘is an initiative that tries to engage British working-class boys.' Do we need one?
He recognises that his horror of engagement is holding him back.
‘When I don't know something I don't ask because I'm too shy,' he explains. Ditto young Rhys, who's 14 and also cripplingly shy. ‘How am I going to have a voice if I don't have a voice in class?' These boys, according to Mr Whiteley, can turn into under-achievers if these issues aren't addressed.
Plans to introduce popular sport-related video games, such as Football Manager and Just Dance as part of PE lessons, were discussed during a meeting of the Scottish Association of Teachers of Physical Education.
‘They're two groups of insecure children who lack confidence and fear being exposed.
The problems are manifested in different ways, but it's the same root cause: lack of identity.'
Then there's the other type of ‘problem' pupil targeted in this experiment: the gobby one, too busy being loud and disruptive to want to engage in debate.
Step forward Charlie, 13, a force of nature whose minecraft pe mods teacher calls him one of the ‘naughty lads'. ‘When you look beyond the surface, both groups are similar,' says Mr Whiteley.
RELATED ARTICLES
Previous
1
2
Next
School becomes first to introduce DAILY fitness classes to...
Share this article
Share
Mr Almond said video games could never fully replace traditional physical education, but suggested games such as Football Manager could be a useful tool in encouraging more children into football.
Why Sony should be ashamed of trying to sell gaming device... Labour launches attack on public schools on tax and not...
'There is one way of using video gaming, where you're managing football teams which is an interesting thing you could do with young people,' he added.
For the teachers it was an eye-opener. He's bright, and there's a definite twinkle in his eye. ‘I was absolutely shocked,' admits Mr Whiteley.
‘I knew Ellis was quiet, but he's a lovely boy too. I was astounded to see he felt like that about himself.'