Recent research into our Ambassadors’ Leadership Academy (ALA) has demonstrated the significant differences that participants make following graduation from a Columban programme.
A substantial evaluation of our Ambassadors’ programme by Mark Bitel “Code for Life: The evaluation of Columba 1400’s Ambassadors’ Leadership Academy” – involved interviews with more than 175 people, including 9 Head Teachers, 31 teachers, senior managers and guidance staff, and 135 students who graduated from Columba 1400.
It found:
- 87% of students made changes in their attitudes and behaviours that were needed to help them to achieve more of their potential.
“I believe in myself more. I noticed the values in myself. I believe I can get somewhere in life, no matter my postcode.”
- 131 of the 135 students described how their Columban experience had given them tools that they were now using to overcome the challenges and difficulties that they faced in their lives.
“I realised that if I really wanted to go somewhere in life, I would have to knuckle down. That’s what I did. The teachers could tell immediately. I used to get frustrated and turn to anger. Now I ask for help.”
- 91% reported that the Columban experience had had a positive impact on their attitudes to school and school work:
“I’m much less aggressive with the teachers…I’ve realised I wouldn’t like to be treated that way. I just get on with things now.”
“I’ve not been chucked out of school since Skye. I’m enjoying school more now… getting my head down.”
- 79% reported that things have improved for them in their lives outside of school since their Columban experience
“Everything has changed since I came back. Me and mum never spoke. Now we do. I stopped smoking as well since I came back, and so have some of my pals. If I say I’ll come to school to my mum, I do. I used to miss school and get into trouble.”
- The teachers who participated alongside their students also reported significant changes:
“I stood back on Skye and watched the pupils. I saw pupils come up with answers that I wouldn’t have believed possible. We don’t do that in school. We deliver the curriculum as quickly as possible. Columba has opened my eyes… we need to find new ways of doing things”
“I’ve never been so courageous and willing to take risks.”
- The Head Teachers of the schools also witnessed the changes to the staff, pupils and the wider school.
“All four staff that went have gone on to do remarkable things. They are more focused… more engaged… and doing far more for the school. These people came back from Skye different people.”
“Pupils are leading on more things now. Columba has been the touchstone for this.”
“The impact is snow-balling all the time. The students never fail to astonish me with their capabilities”
“Columba 1400 is unique… You can’t compare it with other initiatives.
The length of experience is quite unique. It’s much longer than a week. It’s an ongoing process”
