London Success School 2012

Status
Introduction
Objectives
Target Audience
Methodology
Format

Status

The first Success School ran from February to March 2012 at the Dialogue Society’s Head Office in London. Further Success Schools at the Birmingham and Bristol branches are planned for autumn 2012. Sessions will be displayed on the home page in the ‘forthcoming’ section and advertised via Dialogue Society mailing lists.

Introduction

The Dialogue Society Success School aims to help inspire, encourage and equip young people to aspire to and work towards success. Participants will be challenged to think differently about their prospects, both in terms of the educational and career options available to them and in terms of the levels of achievement for which they can aim in their chosen field.

To this end the school will provide inspiration, encouragement and advice through the stories of a range of successful professionals. It will also help participants to explore and understand the factors which make for success, provide valuable tips and teach some crucial skills.

Further, the School will establish a network to provide participants with ongoing support, advice and networking opportunities.

Objectives

To help participants to overcome psychological barriers to success
To raise aspirations
To provide encouragement and support to participants at a pivotal stage in their lives and careers
To inspire participants through the stories of others' success
To build understanding of the factors which make for success and of barriers to it
To provide valuable practical advice, hints and tips
To build a network of participants, Dialogue Society staff and contributors to provide an ongoing source of support, advice and networking opportunities

Target Audience

The School’s main target audience will be young people of 16-21 years of age, and the Dialogue Society will initially advertise in North London, particularly in the Islington area. We hope to welcome participants from a range of cultural and ethnic backgrounds.

Methodology

The Success School will operate through a series of 10 sessions exploring the underlying dynamics, causes and methods of success. Sessions will comprise an initial presentation, Q&A and time for informal discussion and networking over refreshments.

Each presentation will either:

Discuss techniques, attitudes and skills that help develop potential and achieve greater effectiveness, or (2-3 presentations)
Present role models who have become successful in their chosen field to discuss their 'story' and know-how. (4-6 presentations)

Participants will be able to meet in person with the speakers and engage with them on a more personal level. They will also have time to get to know each other and Dialogue Society staff informally over refreshments after each session, building a supportive network.

After the School:

One or more networking/social events will be arranged to encourage ongoing contact and support between participants, Dialogue Society staff and guests.
An alumni email group will help maintain connections.
Participants who have attended regularly will receive a certificate to certify this.
Participants may be invited to participate in other Dialogue Society projects or, where possible, to join us for work experience or an internship.