Drumchapel High School, on the outskirts of Glasgow, serves the community of Drumchapel. The area has historically, and continues to have, high levels of unemployment and deprivation. The school uses a number of alternative curriculum options to engage young people who have shown signs of heading towards ‘negative destinations’, working with as many partners as possible.Scottish Cycling offer weekly coaching sessions led by two fully qualified Go-Ride Coaches, on bike handling skills and other skills related to BMX cycling.
‘C’ was initially not one of the youths, selected for the programme and had therefore missed the first two sessions, which were an absolute success with the coaches commenting that the skills demonstrated by the group, were to a very good standard. The youths who attended these sessions commented that they felt the coaches were “spot on” and showed a very good attitude when demonstrating skills and technique.
At school, C was having issues, which led to him being placed on a reduced timetable of 3 periods a day. After a number of one to one meetings, it was agreed that he did not like this arrangement and would prefer to be in school for longer. The cycling programme was suggested, and C agreed to try it. It was highlighted to C that this form of activity was reward based and the on-going issues within school would have to improve for him to remain within the programme. C attended the cycling sessions and although he was slightly behind his peers due to them having attended more sessions, he showed a good level of confidence and ability to practice andbecome a more competent bike rider.
After attending for 4 weeks C is now on a more complete timetable and his behaviour within school is showing signs of improvement.
Talking about the programme C said, “I have had a number of anger issues within the school and attending the BMX class every week has taught me some self-control. It has also helped me realise that these are the type of lessons I really enjoy, and I am fully aware that if my behaviour in school does not improve then I will be unable to go to these things in the future”.
Ally Harris, CLD Officer Drumchapel High School said, “The youths who have regularly attended these weekly sessions are showing signs of personal development and have displayed an increase in their confidence levels as the sessions have progressed. I personally feel that the benefits to these youths will last for years to come and I have enjoyed seeing them develop their skills and bring back to school the promotion of cycling and it’s benefits.”
Find out more about the Go-Ride Programme HERE
