Summary and final reflections

This thesis has focussed on young people on the threshold of adulthood at a time when society has a responsibility for providing them with educational and training

opportunities which will enable them all to achieve and make a success of their individual pathways, achieving what sports men and women have come to define as their ‘personal best.’ The research has examined the application of an educational policy that was in place for a very short time. However, a main aim of the study was to look at the experiences of boys who were considered to be at risk of underachievement and this research has

concluded that the issue is more multi-faceted and requires ongoing attention from curriculum policy developers so that all young people can be enabled to fulfil their potential.

I have outlined above some of the ways in which I plan to further my own research in the future and now wish to conclude by reflecting on how the current research has enabled me to develop many of the skills needed by the professional researcher. It has encouraged me to take time to think, to study and to theorise on issues involved in my day-to-day work in schools. The ongoing process of reviewing the literature has enabled me to discover further information in my field and in other related areas of educational interest. The collection, transcribing and coding of the data have enhanced my analytical skills while writing the thesis has refined my ability to communicate new knowledge to others. The

process of becoming a researcher has taught me about myself, both as an individual and as teacher, and it has reminded me of the challenges inherent in learning, for me, as for my students. I trust that my resultant deeper understanding of the needs of these young people within a 21st Century context will lead to increased effectiveness in my roles as teacher, school leader and educational researcher.

194

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