What is there for students who aren't succeeding in the classroom environment?

As a school, our staff take ownership of the learners who come through our gates.  We have a strong school culture where every person that enters our whare is 'someone' and they will leave here a 'better someone' when they move on.  In my many years of teaching, never have I been more aware of and indeed more concerned for those students in classrooms who aren't succeeding in their learning environments.  We work in an antiquated education system which was created 150 years ago with the prime objective of teaching children to read the word of god, and has developed into one that is heavily focused on academia.  If students have talents in other areas, they are to pursue it at their own leisure...there is no give in the three Rs of reading, writing and arithmetic.  I work in an elearning school, our students work in a digital environment.  We've seen a huge increase in engagement and our students achievement has grown pleasingly since we started our digital journey.  It's wonderful to be riding the wave of technology and be part of the that educational paradigm shift moving away from the old antiquated system of books and pencils.

But...it is still a system based heavily on academia and those who succeed - win!...and those that don't - lose.   How do we prepare these students who are not academic for success in life, if they told that they are failing at such a young age?  How do we give them success at school, no matter their grades or national standards?  How can we ensure they leave our school, confident, life long learners who will contribute positively to what ever community they are in?
We have a small group of boys who are struggling in their learning.  They have wonderful teachers who work with them, analysing their progress, identifying goals and designing education plans to meet their needs.  The boys as they are getting that much older, recognise that they aren't where they want to be in their learning.  In some instances, they have developed a closed/fixed mindset where they are not willing to try, instead using the dreaded 'can't' word right from the get go.  In some instances, they have started to act out inside and outside of school, making poor choices and finding trouble.  In some instances, they are beginning to develop a belief that they aren't 'brainy' or good enough.
So what of these students?
Over the past few weeks, we've been working with a group of professionals - SWIS, RTLB, MOE at developing a programme that builds these boys up - it's taylor made for them.  There is no name for this programme yet, but it involves a three pronged approach to work on the Hauora of each student -

1. Mana potential - an already established approach working with students to develop their minds through identifying values, places and people that matter.  This particular component will be aimed at student learning how to control their emotions, recognise triggers and develop strategies for dealing with conflict.
2. Mind sets - working at developing positive mind sets by tapping into areas of potential and success.  These include outdoor education, visual arts, music and drama.  Positive minds feed a positive attitude and students will learn about communication and leadership through activities which build self esteem and confidence.
3. Life Skills and Social Action: students will have opportunity to meet and speak with mentors who will offer guidance and advice.  Mentors will also work with students carrying out social actions which may include - helping the elderly, doing lawns, working with children with special needs, cleaning reserves, planting trees...Where ever they see a social need that they can help with. 

So, while we are still in the planning stages, we have a vision.  It's a starting place, and we are excited about what could be ahead for this programme.   The outcomes we hope will contribute toward developing students who are confident and are positive, contributing members of society.
Will keep you posted!!!