From disengagement to a school role model: Ocean Jones' Inspires journey

Year 9 student Ocean Jones has become a true role model to her fellow pupils after almost becoming completely disengaged with education before working with the Foundation of Light’s Premier League Inspires team.

Ocean, of Farringdon Community Academy, was referred to the programme amid dropping grades and lowering attendance, as well as demonstrating a negative attitude which was influencing others.

Ocean was initially withdrawn in Inspires sessions, unwilling to engage in group activities while being very judgemental towards others.

With effective support from her Inspires tutor, Ocean started to open up in group discussions, sharing her life experiences and building chemistry with her peers.

The whole group began to build more of a connection with each other after Ocean started to engage in discussions and projects. Ocean had once been a committed and motivated student, and within the Inspires group she started to demonstrate this dedication again.

Her natural leadership skills shone when she took on the role of project leader of a social action project centred around the mental health of students in Farringdon. Ocean recognised a gap in the school’s support for students who struggled with everyday anxiety, and with effective delegating of tasks, the group pulled together a project to present to the school’s Senior Leadership Team.

Increased engagement in her Inspires sessions was a stepping stone towards getting back on track in the classroom. Ocean began to build a more positive relationship with teaching staff and was participating more in lessons.

Ocean also helped organise a school trip to the Beacon of Light, creating an itinerary and presenting it to school leadership.

The progress that Ocean has made socially and emotionally has not only seen her make a positive step in her own education, but also make a real positive influence on her group peers. Lasting friendships were formed within the Inspires group as they became comfortable in opening up about their feelings with each other.

Ocean became more capable of expressing her feelings to teachers and asking for support when it was necessary.