The Trouble with Girls: Warming Up

In the first programme of a four part series into the underachievement of girls, John Bayley visits Eltham Green School in south London.

With the focus on girls at Key Stage 4, Bayley hears from staff how a large group of bright girls are entering the school with scores at level 5, only to remain at level 5 at the end of Key Stage 3.

As the girls begin their GCSE courses, the series sees Bayley offering teachers a range of strategies to help them overcome the morale-sapping, low-level disruption which characterises many lessons.

In this programme, Bayley works with English NQT Sally Jenkins who, though highly effective at basic behaviour and class control, finds it difficult to establish a rapport with the girls.

Bayley encourages her to adopt a warmer approach, viewing much of the disruption as a search for greater support and encouragement.