P1020472Former pro American footballer Jim Roberson is back at Harrow Way Community School, once again working his motivational magic with Year 11 students. Jim bases his captivating training on getting students to understand the ‘power of education.’ In his own unique style Jim connects with students, engaging them to consider how their education is the key to achieving their very best at school which ultimately leads to a future they have the choice to determine.

Jim starting working with Harrow Way in 2012 and his approach is proving successful with all students, particularly those who are but have little aspiration. The school believes that Jim’s influence made a contribution to their record breaking results in August by engaging the students to successfully achieve their GCSEs.

A ‘state of mind’ is one of Jim’s techniques. Getting the students to imagine their future – what they’d like to do, how much money they might like to have and the choices they would like to make. He encourages students to adopt a positive mind set and use some practical strategies for getting the best out of themselves, all of which are illustrated by Jim in a highly animated and entertaining way. He is keen to demonstrate to the students why school matters and how, with an education, they can create their own future.
Jim explains further: “Education is number one in unlocking the world of opportunities. Education accesses everything.”

Jim’s approach obviously works as one student commented: “You really helped build up my confidence and made me think more about my future and GCSEs. Your positive attitude was so good!”

Jim’s work at Harrow Way benefits all the students and further complements the school’s wider support programme which is designed to help everyone achieve their very best. A number of initiatives, from departmental trips for each year group which introduces new opportunities and experiences, the Gifted and Talented programme which challenges and stretches the more able and visits from leading experts (more recently the Enigma project), all play an important role in developing and supporting students.