Intentional Relational Practice

Intentional Practice Resources 

Based on two decades of the Taking Boys Seriously (TBS) participatory action research, the following set of practice resources bring together insights from thousands of adolescent boys and hundreds of educators in schools and youth organisations across Northern Ireland, with a specific focus on the voices of boys and young men, particularly those faced with what we have termed Compounded Educational Disadvantage. 

TBS research has identified five crucial areas for transformative action that have been found to increase the attendance, participation, attainment, and wellbeing of the most disadvantaged learners and leads to a more inclusive and equitable culture in educational settings. These five areas are: 

Voice

Influence

Interdependence

Belonging

Being a Boy

Each resource focuses on one of these five areas and provides an overview of key knowledge and skills along with practical activities and reflective questions drawn from the TBS research. These resources aim to support and further equip practitioners to work relationally and intentionally with all boys and young men with a particular focus on addressing compounded educational disadvantage. Each resource sits alongside the 10 TBS relational education principles.