"Rock Solid", weekly, theme-based lunchtime activity at Oban High School
Having run for over three years, the question is consistently heard in the canteen or around the OHS corridors, "What are we doing at Rock Solid this week?"
Themed sessions have included wide-ranging issues around peer pressure, respect, conflict, friends, bullying, aspects of faith and belief, the future, envy and consumerism, to name a few. The quizzes, games, small-group work and multi-media format are popular with pupils. However, the elements of a session are simply used to help create a fun and, crucially, a safe setting for between 18 and 40 young people. Many of these pupils are perhaps more vulnerable within the school setting and increasingly include young people from the recently integrated high school learning centre for young folks with learning difficulties and a variety of special needs.
The Rock Solid Club is run weekly during lunchtime by H2O. It provides pupils in the Learning Centre with an opportunity for meaningful inclusion with their mainstream peers. Pupils with Additional Support Needs are able, with support, to access games and activities provided and have the opportunity to experience mainstream peer role models. Staff are welcoming and sympathetic to their range of needs and have a very inclusive approach. Some pupils, due to their specific needs, such as autism, have restricted access to mainstream classes and the Rock Solid Club provides them with the opportunity for inclusion and also raises self esteem and confidence. Mainstream pupils also benefit by gaining an insight and understanding of Additional Support Needs and have been supportive of Learning Centre pupils.
In 2007 H2O formed an informal inter-denominational partnership with the Craig Lodge Community. Craig Lodge is a Roman Catholic retreat centre in Dalmally, 25 miles outside Oban. Two youth workers from the community assisted in the running of Rock Solid and this joint working has brought a new dimension to the club and to the work of H2O.
"I think it's like really good. You let people in and it's not like school and you don't have to pay for it and it's really fun. Rock Solid keeps me active and it's a good way to pass your lunchtime."
Liam S1
"Pupils in the Learning Centre look forward to Rock Solid and in my opinion it is a very valuable resource within Oban High School."
Linda MacAllister Head Teacher Oban High School Learning Centre
"H2O have fun activities for you to do, they totally understand you. The youth workers at Rock Solid are good!"
Amanda S2
"I like Rock Solid because you get to play games and be active."
Thomas S1