School Classes

Faisal has been leading an extremely effective Tai Chi after school club in my school for the past 18 months. He is one of the very few experienced instructors of one of the most ancient forms of Tai Chi.

Like other schools in an inner city deprived area we have many challenging children who face barriers to learning and are hard to engage.

Over the last 18 months we have ensured that target children between the age of 7 and 11 have had the opportunity to experience Tai Chi with Faisal. He approaches his teaching with care and sensitivity making sure his teaching is personalised to match with the needs of the children. He consistently reinforces the importance of focus, self discipline and management of self. Consequently children are very clear that the lessons are about being strong and holding firm as opposed to rash reaction and aggression.

In order to measure the impact of the Tai Chi sessions on children we have compiled both quantitative and qualitative data. We have completed a number of case studies on children who have attended regular Tai Chi sessions:
Class Teachers have reported that attendance at Tai Chi has increased self esteem, motivation and the concentration of children within the class setting. The children themselves also recognise the impact of Tai Chi:

"Tai Chi helps me to concentrate better and I'm finding I can focus more on my work." David Year 4

"I used to get angry and want to hit out but now I feel I can control things better." Zaahra Year 4

We have also looked at Raise Online value added data and TA and SAT levels and have found evidence of a link between attendance at Tai Chi and raised attainment with a number of pupils.

There is no doubt that Faisal has had a very real impact on the children in terms of motivation, self esteem, concentration, achievement and attainment and has promoted significant progress within our extended school provision.

Thanks again Faisal for all your hard work.

Regards

Jess Mills
St Luke's Primary School