Pyramid for youth aged 11-14
About Pyramid
Pyramid clubs are special clubs for children who are shy, quiet, withdrawn and who may feel anxious about home or school situations.
On this page you will find out more about how Pyramid can help young people at secondary school.
Over the 10 weeks of the Pyramid club there was a significant change in A’s behaviour and she became much more approachable and friendly, no longer making unkind comments to other children. Her teacher had noticed a positive change in her behaviour. Best of all, she was happier, more relaxed and playing with other children!
New experiences
Moving to secondary school is a big adventure for some children. There are lots of new and exciting lessons and after-school activities, a huge building to explore, new friends to meet and much more independence. For others, the change is overwhelming.
Even confident students take a little while to find their way around and get into the routine, but most will be fairly well settled by the end of their first term. For some children, though, the feeling of belonging never arrives and school becomes something to fear or hate, at the same time as pressure from the school and from parents to do well academically increases.
Some will rebel openly and get into a lot of trouble, while others will retreat into themselves and become increasingly unhappy. Their attendance and achievement may suffer and they are at risk of being bullied.
At secondary level, children see their subject-specific teachers for short periods each day, or week. So, they are unlikely to build the same sort of relationship as they did with their primary school teachers. This makes it easier for problems to go unnoticed and unresolved.
Pyramid clubs in secondary schools offer a safe place for young people to unburden themselves and to develop a better model of relationships with both peers and adults.
As well as school issues, young people may be worrying about situations at home and may be carrying a lot of responsibility for other family members, while at the same time being bombarded with messages and images on social media about the way they should look or feel.
Issues around sexuality, relationships and substance use complicate the situation.
Young people can self-refer to a Pyramid secondary club as well as being referred by a teacher or parent.
Contact us
We welcome your queries about joining or running a Pyramid club at your school:
- Email pyramid@uwl.ac.uk
- Call 020 8231 2930 or 07810 853561
More information
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About Pyramid Clubs
Pyramid is an evidence-backed intervention programme to help children and young teenagers handle social and academic pressures.
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Pyramid for primary school
Understand the challenges a child faces when they start school and how Pyramid can help turn those around to create positive experiences.
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Pyramid transition clubs
Moving to secondary school from primary school can be tough but Pyramid transition clubs can help children gain necessary skills to cope with the changes around them.
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Pyramid information for parents and volunteers
Find more information about Pyramid clubs as well as discover answers to FAQs.
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Pyramid resources
Schools and club leaders receive comprehensive support and resources in order to run a Pyramid club.
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Pyramid Club evidence
The evidence behind the Pyramid intervention programme shows that it is beneficial for children's development and can have a significant impact on their life at school and at home.
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Pyramid Clubs for schools
The Pyramid programme helps children aged 7-14 develop confidence and self-esteem so they can cope with the academic and social pressures of school.
