From Giving Up to Reaching Up: Lessons in Resilience from HMP Education

Earlier this month I had the opportunity to talk with Sophie and John Gaston of #TheExamMan about how we do exams at HMP.

There are many opportunities for our learners to gain qualifications – from English to Electrics, Personal Development to Painting and Decorating.

Many have had challenges in their education experience.  Some have dropped out of school, or found it too restrictive for them.  

A fair proportion still find reading and writing difficult.

In many ways, the Education system they went through hadn’t been able to help them find their place. Schooling proved too limiting. Without the right role models many found themselves slipping into alternative forms of self-education.

That’s not a judgement on their experience – more a reflection on education system we have in  place.

For the past 15 years I’ve seen how our HMP Education Department picks up many who left their education behind at a young age. They need continual encouragement to stay in class, and to believe that

• they CAN do it
• we will help
• this new effort we ask of them is worth it

Unsurprising, many still struggle in their adulthood with unhappy memories of school. But as I shared with #theexamman, some find their way to staying in class and working towards perhaps their first achievement.

It’s what we work towards, together.

What does this have to do with YOUR students?

HMP is full of many learners who have missed out on important schooling, for a wide range of reasons.

We see the results of thinking that hasn’t included self-belief, the benefit of striving and attaining or the reach to be more.

School is where it starts, and where we all as teachers, leaders and support workers, have an opportunity to encourage and guide those around us.

It might just take a consistent conversation to switch someone from giving up to reaching up.

From baling out to being all-in.

• What kind of conversations could you have in your school or college with struggling students?
• Who do you see struggling to find their place in school?
• Who might be ready to chuck it in and leave education behind?
• Who hasn’t seen positive possibilities ahead for themselves?

What will it take to turn things around?

First off, we need to be noticing the early signs of dis-engagement – and that may be different for everyone. Notice what’s different about individual behaviour, in how they’re speaking about themselves and their future.

Don’t be afraid to have a chat, to encourage.  We may never know the difference we make, but I believe that ANY influence we have is worth using for good.

When I was speaking to Sophie and John Gaston at #theexamman I shared that on occasions a prisoner and I have crossed at the HMP Main Gate as he is being released into a new future.  And a couple of times, they’ve bothered to stop and thank me for helping them.

No great long conversation. But think when this happened  - as they waited for that door to open!

It made an impression on me.  I’ve recalled it many times. It encourages ME to notice, to ask, to listen and to encourage.

And if anyone asks me what I do it seems somehow too narrow to say “I m the Exam Officer”.

We are all so much more than a Job Title.  We all work in areas of influence.

Please, use yours well – you may never know how much of difference you make, but you’ll know WHY you give it the effort you can.

If you’d like to support your students with topics of personal challenge, the ‘Mindfulness in Schools Series’ was based on work started at HMP. Check out the details here.