- Make it relevant.
- Ask yourself ‘Why?’ in relation to everything you do. If the answer is ‘to fill time’ you need to rethink it.
- Think outside the box – don’t just do what you’ve always done.
- Be flexible. Be prepared for the coach to be late or different pupils to the ones you were expecting. Always have a Plan B.
- Be realistic. Plan for what is achievable.
- Be patient. For the majority of those involved, engagement is an additional responsibility and as a result responses to emails etc. may not always be immediate.
- Always keep the school calendar in mind.
- Don’t leave things to the last minute.
- Stay positive. Things may not always go to plan due to things outside of your control. This does not mean the partnership has failed.
- Make sure there is a shared agenda and that everybody involved knows what this is. Be prepared to reiterate this as necessary.
