Breakthrough Program - Raising Boy's Achievements
In September 2003 the UK Improvement Foundation and the Innovation Unit of the DfES (Department for Education and Skills) joined forces to create the Breakthrough Program in order to raise the level of boys’ achievement within schools. The participating schools come from a range of socioeconomic backgrounds but have one thing in common: aspiration – to help boys achieve their potential by working to change the systems by which schools deliver teaching and manage learning.
The focus is on five key themes to raise boys’ achievement:
- Improving teaching and learning methods;
- Using strong leadership to create an environment for change;
- Creating capacity;
- Mentoring and targeted intervention;
- Using data to drive improvement.
The first two waves were funded by the Innovation Unit but since 2005 the program has been funded by participating schools and their Local Education Authorities.
All schools have reported on significant improvements in ethos and culture as well as improved attendance, behaviour and motivation amongst their boys. It is interesting to note that the program has also impacted positively on the girls as well. In particular, GCSE (General certificate of Secondary Education) results show that participating schools’ 5 A* - C grade performances have been significantly higher than the national average.
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