Sounds Good Pilot Programme

In April and May 2009 a Sounds Good programme was piloted at three sites in Wales. It was aimed at young people who were either not in education, employment or training (NEET) or those who were at risk of becoming NEET upon reaching school-leaving age. Based on the successful Summer Arts College model, the purpose of the initiative was to engage participants through an arts-based programme structured around ‘Sounds Good: the Story of a Band’. Strong emphasis was placed on improving the literacy and numeracy skills of those participating and on progression, once the course was completed. A total of 30 young people were involved in the programme at three sites in Flint, Swansea and Cardiff.

You can download the final evaluation report of the Sounds Good Pilot Programme 2009 here

The programme aims to:

• Implement a structured full-time, arts-based project combining arts enrichment and arts appreciation activities and to explore possible routes into employment and careers within the arts and creative industries.
• Work with the arts to improve literacy and numeracy skills.
• Achieve a qualification through the Arts Award.
• Increase educational engagement and facilitate the transition into mainstream education, training and employment after the programme.

Key Outcomes

At the end of the three-week course there was considerable evidence of positive outcomes for the participants. These included a high level of engagement with young people on average attending 91% of the course. There were also significant improvements in literacy and numeracy scores, an increased confidence in literacy and numeracy skills, the achievement of an Arts Award at Bronze Level for all who attended and a more positive attitude towards education and learning.