Wycombe Youth Action (WYA) in Schools. WYA are involved in the delivery of a number of different services to schools across the Wycombe District. As an organisation we have had a very close working relationship with a number of schools in the district over the past 25 years, and have continued to adjust and adapt to the changing needs of schools and students in the Wycombe District. Staff at WYA are currently involved in working closely with teachers and schools staff to support students throughout their academic life. WYA’s Community Cohesion Officer delivers workshops and class based sessions to young people on the Commuinty Cohesion agenda. As of Sept 2007 schools have a duty to promote Community Cohesion among students in their schools, this has been reported on by Ofsted since Sept 08. The worskshops are delivered to young people during school lesson times and are aimed at working towards dispelling myths and developing a sense of belonging among all students while discussing and sharing common goals, views and beliefs. Workshops are interactive, encourage discussions and can be tailored to the individual needs of the schools taking part. The sessions focus on topics such as stereotypes, British-ness, Racism, Immigration, Identity and communities. The facilitator allows young people to discuss serious and sometimes controversial topics in an open and safe environment, this allows young people to challenge, support and educate each other in an informal setting. Many of the lessons take place during Citizenship lessons in schools as it works closely with the Citizenship curriculum. WYA’s Positive Activities for Young People (PAYP) Keyworker has worked closely with Physical Education staff in schools to offer extra sporting sessions for young people. Football sessions are held indoors during Lunchtimes to provide young people with an alternative activities during their recreational time. Girls only sports activities are also offered to students at HighCrest school as an after school activity, the sessions work on building the girls fitness, football skills and understanding of the game while giving them confidence and support during the sessions. WYA employ two Connexions Personal Advisors, the roles mean the staff work in schools with young people with multiple issues. The staff offer support and advice for young people who have multiple needs and help them to work towards getting back into the classrooms as many of the young people spend lots of time in the behaviour base at their schools. WYA have recently worked closely with a number of the schools in the Wycombe District to offer workshops on Black History Month and an understanding of Remembrance Day. The lessons were designed with young people in yr 9 in mind, and allowed young people to understand why we celebrate black History Month and Rememberance Day. The staff at WYA have a number of different skills and experiences that can be utilised to help young people in schools to develop and to complement the curriculum in schools. If you feel we could benefit staff or young people in your school please contact us on 01494 447250. Home