East Berkshire College - Case study

OCR organised a pilot with East Berkshire College to examine whether assessing and developing the Mental Toughness of its students would have a beneficial impact for students and the college.

Mental Toughness is a personality trait which determines, in large part, how individuals deal with stressors, pressure and challenge irrespective of circumstance.

The model used was the 4Cs model developed initially by Peter Clough, Professor of Applied Psychology at Manchester Metropolitan University and developed into a complete programme with AQR International.

East Berkshire College (EBC) is very pleased to have been involved in this pilot with OCR and AQR. The College has always been concerned with developing the whole person – ensuring that not only is the student skilled and knowledgeable, but that he/ she is also confident about applying these skills and behaviours in life after college – in their work and their lives.

A key emphasis within our classrooms is developing a growth mindset amongst our learners at all levels. The MTQ48 questionnaire and the programme has been very effective in helping learners to be self-aware about their mindset – to understand their strengths and to understand where their mindset may hold them back – and to support students in attending to their needs in this area.

The Mental Toughness programme is accessible, it is easy to apply and fits extremely well with everything else we are doing and does appear to contribute to the development of our students. EBC has already put in place plans to carry on and extend this work in the future – including training a key member of staff to take a lead on this inside the college.

Virginia Barrett
Deputy Principal Curriculum & Quality
East Berkshire College

At East Berkshire College, our focus is on improving life chances for all our learners – and this means equipping them with more than just a qualification. In an increasingly competitive world, we believe that the Mental Toughness programme gives our learners an edge. They are more aware of their own strengths and areas for development, they have a range of tools to call on in stressful situations and they have a “can do” attitude.

I was so impressed with the programme that I undertook the training and am now a Mental Toughness practitioner myself. I can see extensive use for the programme within colleges, not only with learners but also in developing and supporting staff.

Who wouldn’t want to have Mental Toughness?

Linda Ball
Head of Teaching and Learning, Construction and Engineering
East Berkshire College