IT'S PARADE NIGHT AGAIN!
6. TOO MUCH HOMEWORK
The promotion of boys from one section to another
In 1997 the BB published its report: "Retention through the Teenage Years". It was published against the background that the number of BB boys in the UK has fallen from its peak of around 170,000 to the current number of around 100,000. The Report is well worth studying.
Most BB Officers would agree that a boy is more likely to stay on into the Company Section if he has been a member of the Anchor and/or Junior Sections. So maybe our efforts should be concentrated on recruiting boys into these sections and then retaining them. This leaflet is concerned with retaining our boys rather than with the question of recruitment. Why do some boys not stay on into the Junior Section when they've been Anchor Boys?
At age 11, and over, very often "too much homework" is given as the reason for leaving. This may well be the case, particular when the boy reaches Year 10, given the increase in course work with GCSE examinations. However this reason may hide other factors. It may prove helpful to try to identify these factors and see what can be done to overcome them.
Ask yourself this question:
"What percentage of my boys do not transfer from one section to another?"
If you feel that this percentage is higher than you would like then you may like to consider the following thoughts:
1. There will always be some boys who develop other interests or simply outgrow what we can offer in the BB. Consequently don't be too disheartened if a few boys do leave.
2. Some boys will leave because they find the programme uninspiring. Reflect on your programme. See leaflet 7 in this series.
3. Often boys leave when they are due to move from one section to another. Ensure that the officer in charge is aware of the names and addresses of the boys due for promotion. If a boy does not appear after a week or two then consider contacting the parents by phone or personal visit. Sometimes you will find that the boy has a worry about "the bigger boys" which you can quickly resolve.
4. Often, but not exclusively of course, Anchor and Junior Sections are led by ladies and Company Sections by men. Some quiet boys may consequently find the transfer form Junior to Company Section difficult for this reason.
5. It may be helpful if the officers/helpers of sections join together on occasions particularly around the time of transfer. The "new" adults need to be sensitive to the perceptions of the potential new boys. Reflect on how these boys will view you. For example your existing boys will have got used to your humour; new boys may not even realise your are joking!
6. Many companies now promote their boys in the summer rather than waiting for September. The more informal programme of these months may well be a good way of making the boys feel at home in the new section. However reflect on whether the programme is actually interesting and challenging to these new boys. And will the existing boys be welcoming?
7. If homework is found to be a genuine problem then is it possible to change the meeting night? About 50% of companies meet on Fridays. Homework can then be completed over the weekend. Of course your facilities may not be available on that evening! Some companies meet on several nights in the week. The demands on boys on a given evening are then less. But of course this means officers and helpers are involved on two nights in the week!
