Information for Schools
Gallop to Learning Placements
At Stepney we have an excellent record of engaging young people who are excluded or at risk of exclusion from school. Our placement program enables young people to attend for either a full day or half day per week. Whilst on placement they gain real life work experience, getting involved in all the different aspects of running the project, from horse care to field maintenance. Horses require a strict routine of feeding, exercise and mucking out and are reliant on the young people for their care. They also dictate an environment of quiet and calm as loud noises or sudden movements frighten them. Young people also thrive in this environment as they realize the importance of punctuality and personal conduct when it is applied to a real-life setting. Young people who lack self confidence and social skills show the most dramatic improvements after spending time with the horses. They quickly gain confidence through acquiring completely new skills. Learning to communicate with the horses through body language improves their communication skills both with horses and humans. Placements have the option of learning to ride - a factor which can be hugely motivating for those who are unwilling or unsure about participating in the horse care. The young people also receive structured training sessions which can be accredited.
How to set up a placement
Please contact Sara Newson on 0191 2615544 to discuss a potential placement. Placements are arranged on a half term basis. Demand can be high so it is advisable to call at least 2 weeks before the start of a new half term. Potential placements are then invited in with their teacher or EWO for a informal meeting and a chance to tour the site and have a short riding lesson. This is a chance for us to assess the young people's suitability and also for them to decide whether it is the right place for them. If the decision is made to go ahead the young person will be asked to commit to attending either a half day or full day each week for the duration of a half term. After the first half term the placement will be reviewed and renegotiated for the following half term if all parties agree.
Cost
Young people require a high level or supervision, support and training whilst at the project. Therefore we ask schools to contribute towards these costs by paying between £15 and £25 per pupil per session. The cost varies depending on the support needs of the individual. Schools will be invoiced at the start of each half term and will be required to pay for the full six weeks.
Accreditation
Accreditation is available through the Open College Network and is ideal for young people who have problems with literacy or do not respond well to a classroom environment. Open College Network units cover a variety of horse care and riding topics. They are assessed through a folder of evidence collected by the young person and their trainer. Evidence includes photographs, worksheets, witness statements and accounts by the young person. This is then internally and externally verified. Accreditation costs an additional £20 per learner. This is a one-off payment which again we will invoice you for at the start of each half term. Accreditation is optional, however it has proved to be a very effective way of boosting self esteem and also improving future training or employment prospects.
Race Awareness Days
These days are ran at Stepney in conjunction with Northumbria Police. Up to thirty pupils attend for a full day with an aim to challenge preconceived ideas about ethnic minorities, refugees and asylum seekers in a relaxed and informal environment. The young people are split into groups and where possible they are put with people they don't usually mix with. They have the opportunity to ride the horses, the most popular activity which always gets them chatting and breaking the ice. They also have a session with a Community Beat Officer who explains the legal implications of racism and the possible consequences if they were convicted. Our youth workers run a session on the facts and fiction surrounding asylum seekers which generally sparks a healthy discussion. There is also an opportunity to handle the horses on the ground, groom them and understand more about how horses live and interact with one another in the wild. They learn the names of the different horse breeds and colours and are shown that each type of horse has a place and a use. Finally they are asked to design a poster with an anti-racism theme. The winners receive a prize. We have some limited funds to provide these days.
To arrange a day contact Sara Newson on 0191 2615544.
Educational visits
Visits to Stepney can be arranged for up to thirty children during term time. Themes for the visit can be heritage - the top yard is the oldest working stable yard in Newcastle, sport - riding is a fantastic physical activity for people of all ages, shapes and sizes, or communication - horses respond to body language, a very useful skill to learn! Visits can also be arranged as a reward for excellent behaviour or as an end or term activity. We will do what we can to tailor the day to your needs. For more information contact Sara Newson.
