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...and we're back in the room.
Well it's been a while hasn't it! Since my last blog a few months ago (quite a few months actually!) we've moved into new premises in Hockley, which is the Jewelry Quarter of Birmingham. Bradford Court served us well for nearly two and a half years, but our new pad is bigger and more suited to our purposes. We still have a training facility on-site which was tried out last week and received some very positive comments! The end of 2007 was very busy, with several tenders being submitted which we're waiting to hear about over the next few weeks. I won't say too much at the moment, but it will be hugely exciting, challenging and rewarding if successful! Our involvement with Adjust the Balance came to an end in December, and we expressed our gratitude that we were involved in such a worthwhile and innovative project. Some tremendous work in the field of work-life balance and corporate social responsibility was completed - the challenge now is to use the materials and expertise gained to drive the agenda forward and create value within the First Oracle brand. So, lots to come in 2008 - watch this space for further updates!
Podcast Now On-Line
We've launched our podcast over at Post 16 Expectations! The podcast is a mix of information, interviews, music and tips for young people on achieving success in life through a better appreciation of work-life balance and the motivational power of setting goals. In the first show, Kashmir explains what the project is about, we chat with a police officer about the practical aspects of working in the force, and there's our weekly list of website and podcast recommendations. You can download it from the link on the blog section, at www.post16expectations.com
Just thought I'd update you on our work-life balance project for post-16 learners. We've been really busy since starting session delivery in January, introducing learners across Birmingham to the issues surrounding work-life balance, and encouraging young people to take control of their lives using goal-setting techniques. We illustrate some of the problems by asking the learners to arrange a week in the life of a person who has lots of competing demands on his time - from family commitments to a heavy workload and a personal wish-list of leisure activities such as going to the gym, learning a language and creative writing. This is definitely a lively activity, with much animated discussion as to what should take priority, and what is actually practically possible to achieve in the time available. Other techniques include illustrating the gradual build-up of stress with spinning plates, exploring how inspiration from role models can shape our approach to solving difficulties with our goals, and assessing how balanced our life really is. Last week, we exhibited at The Education Show at the NEC, and I'm pleased to say that there was plenty of enthusiasm from the teachers, governors and other education professionals we spoke to for the work we are doing. Many teachers, it seems, are looking for work-life balance solutions for themselves, judging from how gratefully received some of the freebies were! Visit the Post 16 Expectations website at www.post16expectations.com for more information about the project.
How to Motivate Teenagers...?
Interesting blog from TES about the role of EMA payments in motivating teenage learners. My personal opinion is that the system isn't catering well for those who have no idea what they want to do at 16, and drift into inappropriate courses in the absence of anything better. I think EMA probably helps to motivate already-committed students, but the government aren't seeing the bigger picture. The world that faces teenage school-leavers now is quite harsh: either get into loads of debt paying for a higher education with no guarantee of a return, or get an entry-level job and face the hard climb to a salary level that provides the decent lifestyle so many young people expect. My gut feeling is that young people want more than this - they don't mind working, but they want the return they deserve, and why shouldn't they? Perhaps offering more practical courses such as entrepreneurial skills, and applied IT might be less of a turn-off for many.
Merry Christmas from First Oracle
Both Kashmir and myself would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. See you in 2007!
ICC Event Success
The Social Footprints Symposium took place at the ICC yesterday, with First Oracle generating a huge buzz in the exhibition hall with plate-spinning, juggling and even feather-balancing! With the help of actor and performer Rob Leetham, we provided a fun time for visitors, illustrating just how important it is to have good balance in your life! Resources from our Post-16 Expectations project were available to view, and the freebies were flowing well, including a balance wheel that people could use to assess each area of their lives. The event itself featured numerous workshops, a Question Time session with John Humphreys, and an inspirational keynote address from Steph Cutler, founder of Open Eyed. Thanks to everyone who attended and who came to say 'hello'. We hope you enjoyed the day as much as we did.
Social Footprints Symposium
We at First Oracle are pleased to be taking part in the Social Footprints Symposium event at Birmingham's ICC on December 11th as a partner of Adjust the Balance. In the same way that your carbon footprint is how everything you do has an effect on the environment, your social footprint is how the operation of your organisation impacts on people and communities. In the rapidly growing field of corporate social responsibility, more and more companies and organisations are taking care about how their work effects both employees and the wider community. This is a FREE event where you can - learn about what work-life balance and corporate social responsibility actually involves
- access information, advice and support on WLB and CSR
- learn about the business effects of adopting good practice in WLB and CSR
- put forward questions to key leaders in the field of WLB and CSR
- network with others
- contribute to the development of support for WLB and CSR
To register, and for further information, visit this link: LINK TO SITE
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