Role Models are one of the resources that support, the fourth pillar of the JAE Framework, Inspiring Talent. There are various schemes and programmes that schools can tap into to inspire talented performers. Often the most effective role models are local role models within school. For example, older talented performers, PE teachers, or even peer talented performers. Sometimes the most powerful source of inspiration is less tangible and comes from simple but immensely powerful words of encouragement at times of particular challenge.
The current widely used schemes are:
The Young Ambassador programme can be used as an integral part of a schools or partnership wide G&T programme to promote the Olympic and Paralympic values of personal excellence, friendship, respect, determination, courage, inspiration and equality. Encouraging G&T Young Ambassadors to understand their function as role models and to:
- Mentor other young G&T students.
- Support MSAs or co-deliver parts of the JAE life-skills workshop series.
- Develop, sign up to and award school/partnership wide fairplay awards.
Some schools will have the opportunity to engage sporting role models into their programmes, through local connections or through national role model programmes like;
Advance planning with visiting athlete role models can ensure visits are more than just motivational, delivering outcomes against more meaningful topics like a positive attitude to success (British Athletes Commissions’ six Keys to success), drug free sport (UK Sports 100%ME programme) or supporting the JAE Life-skill Workshops.
In more challenging areas and with harder to reach talented young performer the use of local role models can be highly effective in supporting Gifted and Talented programmes.