Supporting primary and secondary pupils with communication and behaviour problems

Numerous studies have identified communication skills as being most predictive of long-term school success. A Communication Opportunity Group Scheme (COGS) took place in a primary and secondary school involving 36 students aged 7-15 years. There were 24 subjects in two types of teaching group and 12 controls. One group was taught for an hour a week over ten weeks (weekly) and the other for two hours daily over five days (intensive) by teachers trained in the COGS method. Experimental groups showed significant gains compared with controls. Integrating systematic teaching of communication into the curriculum may significantly increase pupil performance. The project has fostered a learning community of schools, support services, national charities and the university.