Motivational speakers give kids a learning boost

May 20 2010 by Marjorie Kerr, West Lothian Courier

PUPILS at two West Lothian schools are being given lessons on how to get the best out of learning.

Students at both James Young High in Livingston, and West Calder High have been using motivational speakers to help give pupils a confidence boost.

Experts from company Tree of Knowledge, will be at James Young High School today (Thursday) to deliver an induction workshop to 200 primary pupils who will start their secondary school education after the summer holidays.

The firm has also been at West Calder High School this week when it gave to a presentation to S1 and S3 pupils.

Tree of Knowledge, who use the power of laughter to help develop pupils’ enterprising skills and attitudes, have given workshops in both schools in the past, and the schools found them beneficial and invited them back.

The James Young High’s deputy head for pupil service, Cath Kendall, explained: “We have used Tree of Knowledge for every year group from first to fourth year but we also use them to help ease the primary 7/S1 transition.

“Children coming from primary school can find the experience a bit daunting and we find that getting them in at the time helps to put them at ease. It’s all about breaking down barriers and helping them feel more confident.”

The 200 children taking part in the workshop come principally from the school’s four feeder primaries of Bankton, Bellsquarry, Dedridge and Williamston.

However, Mrs Kendall stressed that it’s not just children who can benefit from Tree of Knowledge’s motivational powers.

The school will be getting the firm in next year to help gee-up its members of staff.

Tree of Knowledge, who have worked at West Calder High School for the past five years, use wacky ways to encourage pupils to believe that anything is possible.

They get their message across by finding inventive uses for objects such as Polo mints, skipping ropes and garden canes.

At West Calder High, Patricia Fenwick, principal teacher, support, said she was impressed by the aspirational nature of what Tree of Knowledge do.

She said: “Our school experience would be diminished if we did not have Tree of Knowledge in. They are entertaining, fun and very thought-provoking.”

The workshop for S1 pupils, which is called ‘Successville’, focuses on goal setting, community values and learning.

The third-years’ workshop is called ‘Laugh in the Face of Exams’, which helps pupils to cope with exam pressures.

As the firm’s managing director, Gavin Oattes, a former primary school teacher and stand-up comedian explained: “We want to challenge pupils’ way of thinking about themselves and their future, and we try to be entertaining.”