More schools and pupils take part in three educational support programmes in the afternoons
Promoted by the Barcelona Education Consortium, the three educational support programmes “Èxit. Acompanyament educatiu”, “Speak up” and “Tangram” are resuming their extra-curricular activities in January, with 92 schools and 2,560 primary and secondary school pupils taking part.
The three programmes form part of the municipal strategy to guarantee all children and teenagers, particularly the most vulnerable, access to at least two quality and affordable after-school activities in their neighbourhood. The goal is to reduce inequalities in educational opportunities outside of school, as set out in the policy strategy for afternoons in educational neighbourhoods.
The number of schools offering these programmes has increased this year, rising from 53 during the last school year (31 primary and 22 secondary) to the current 92 (60 primary and 32 secondary). In all, 2,560 students are taking part. The total budget for the 2021-2022 school year is 1,033,496.26 euros, funded by Barcelona City Council.
Another new aspect is the cooperation of the Fundació Pere Tarrés, which is joining the project to take on the task of assessing and monitoring programmes. In addition, participating profiles will become more professional as the Fundació Pere Tarrés contracts mentors and coordinators for the programme, known as “great friends”. Training for professionals to start the programmes at schools will be given by the Fundació Empieza por Educar.
School support, English and school culture
The programme “Èxit. Acompanyament educatiu” offers additional help with schoolwork in the afternoons for pupils in their last two years of primary school or first two years of secondary school. The sessions are held twice a week, with the “great friends” taking a central role and providing support for pupils, building trust and providing a positive model.
“Speak Up” works to improve pupils’ oral English skills and takes place two afternoons a week in secondary schools. The programme is backed by the Escola Oficial d’Idiomes (EOI) Drassanes and the “great friends”, who also receive training and advice sessions.
The “Tangram” programme supports and empowers children and their families to promote success in primary schooling, mainly for those in their first two years. To help families become familiar with school culture at the city’s education establishments, a mentor figure is established and conducts 90-minute sessions with pairs of pupils one afternoon a week. Groups sessions are then held with students and their families on Fridays.
