24th March 2010 - Back To Bosworth...

After a successful Speedy Study Skills session at the beginning of March, MLP Mark Kennedy returned to Bosworth Independent College to work with the same group of 50 students to deliver Goal Setting. It was the final week before breaking up for a three week Easter break so students were in good spirits and joined in the interactive exercises. Carol Fitzgerald commented "The session was very inspirational and equipped the students with mean of setting goals."

18th March 2010 - More Seminar Training...

MLP Mark Kennedy joined MLP Gavin Scott observe MLP Joe Rowntree deliver Mastering Student Motivation and Exam Busters at Weldon School in Nottingham. "Joe is famed for his work on Brainiac Science Abuse so it was great to see him in action. Also it was useful for me to watch an experienced colleague present." Watch this space for more seminars soon...

18th March 2010 - Roade Study Skills...

Around 70 students from Roade Sports College attended Speedy Study Skills with MLP Mark Kennedy and came away equipped with some great tools to help them through their exams. A lively group engaged and were quick to volunteer for the interactive tasks, Student Mentor Sarah Craig commented, "Mark gave the students confidence to realise that they can take in and remember information".

15th March 2010 - Wonderful Feedback From Students...

The four week project at Northamptonshire Study Centre came to a close and the students who attended left with smiles on their faces.

"You did a fantastic job teaching us all this, I got a B in my History mock because of the techniques" - Amii

"Mark, thank you so much, it actually helped me so much. I would love to see you teaching me and helping me again in the future. Thank you." - Kimberley

"I really enjoyed the course and it was helpful as well as being fun. Mark thank you for teaching me new and different things." - Angela

"Thank you for helping me, it was great fun and I learnt so much." - Gemma

"I enjoyed it so much." - Sarah

"It was cool dude." - Kiefer

"You're a good teacher and thank you for your support." - James

"Thanks for a great four weeks." - Shaune

These words speak for themselves! A wonderful four weeks delivering 6S Study Skills and Goal Mapping was complete with some lovely comments from those in attendance.

11th March 2010 - Exam Busters at Impington...

Talk about thrown into the deep end! As part of MLP Mark Kennedy's seminar training, the process involved him delivering an Exam Busters seminar to 2 groups of 150 year 11 students at Impington Village College in Impington, Cambridge. Illness to the original presenter gave Mark the opportunity of live practice and he delivered an outstanding performance according to Learning Manager Phil Stanton. "These sessions hopefully will have a massive impact on the students' revision techniques. We often ask out students to revise... but... do they know how to. They are now well equipped with lots of tips, aids and techniques."

In the afternoon Mark worked with a select group of students delivering Goal Mapping to offer extra support to C/D borderline individuals. "I felt extremely relaxed and am really pleased that I am now in the position to deliver more of Pos MAD's wonderful programmes".

3rd March 2010 - Speedy Study Skills at Bosworth...

Bosworth Independent College is a wonderful establishment with students from all over world based in Northampton to gain an education in this private education establishment. MLP Mark Kennedy worked with a group of 50 year 10 and 11 students delivering a Speedy Study Skills session which all enjoyed. Coordinator Carol Fitzgerald commented, "Students were actively engaged and thoroughly enjoyed the session. Some of our students do not have a good command of the English language but Mark's delivery was extremely clear ensuring that they understood.

25th February 2010 - More Programmes Now Available From Your Local MLP...

MLP Mark Kennedy made the long journey north to Ribblesdale High School in Clitheroe to meet up with Alan David Pritchard to see the master himself in action. Alan is the brains behind the creation of some of Pos MAD's student coaching programmes including 6S Study Skills and Hooks Lines and Thinkers. The latter was the order of the day as Alan delivered both the English and Science Hooks, Lines and Thinkers sessions to two groups of students whilst Mark observed as part of his ongoing training.

"I am now delighted to be in a position to deliver both English and Science programmes to specific groups. These sessions give students a range of revision techniques which are relevant to the curriculum."

24th February 2010 - St Georges Become Positively MAD For The Day...

MLP Mark Kennedy visited St Georges Academy in Sleaford, Lincs to deliver Pos MAD's acclaimed 6S Study Skills programme to around 30 C/D borderline students. The group worked extremely hard through a long day to come out trumps with a range of techniques and tools which will motivate them to become more effective in their studying. Students commented on the effectiveness of using images to "stimulate the brain" and help them remember information and they enjoyed the concept of "looking at one's whole lifestyle in the approach to the exam period."

100% of the students evaluated that they now feel more confident in their ability to make their study more effective. "It was fun, interesting and I found out there are so many effective ways to revise. I feel a lot more confident now." commented one student. "The fun and humour helps me to study and I think all students will benefit from this." said another.

Word got around through the day that a clutch of students approached teaching staff at lunchtime requesting to join in. That was very heartening!

22nd February 2010 - Northamptonshire Study Centres Begin PosMad Project...

A small clutch of students began the 6S Study Skills programme with MLP Mark Kennedy. The group attend the Rushden & Diamonds Study Centre after school to enhance their chances of exam success. Week one, the group were introduced to the importance of the Regular Review Process, taking information and shaping it into memorable data.

10th February 2010 - Double Whammy At Huxlow...

Positively MAD were out in force at Huxlow Science College for the school's careers day. MLP Andy Revill delivered Super Speed Study Skills to the whole of year 11 and MLP Mark Kennedy worked with smaller groups talking about the importance of motivation when taking the first career step.

Connexions organiser Julie Thompson commented, "The students really engaged and thought about their career options thanks to these sessions."

20th January 2010 - Study Skills At Buccleuch...

Over 150 Kettering Buccleuch Academy students enjoyed a Speedy Study Skills session delivered by MLP Mark Kennedy. With a lot of nerves and stress around at the time of mocks and exams, the audience were given a range of fun and interactive ways of alternative studying. Many were buzzing after attending this short snappy session!

11th January 2010 - Get Fit At Danetre

Setting Fitness Goals was on the agenda as MLP Mark Kennedy visited Danetre School in Daventry to deliver five sessions incorporating Goal Mapping. Director of Key Stage 4 Claire Sykes commented, "I feel the students learnt the link between healthy living and success and to think about their future aspirations. I think they learnt how to sit back and think beyond school and how to reflect. I would definitely like to work with Mark and Positively MAD again in the future."

The students enjoyed the sessions and many vowed not to become couch potatoes in the future, one commented "Mark was really helpful when he talked about healthy eating and the impact it could have on my life. I got to use my imagination to learn about my dreams too."

16th November 2009 - Magdalen Goals...

MLP Mark Kennedy visited Magdalen College to work with five groups of students and deliver Goal Setting and Motivational Techniques. "Students put down some great ideas on paper and added to their goal sheets throughout the week." commented Miles Doughty who was present throughout the sessions.

25th November 2009 - Putting On A Show...

Northampton Education & Business Partnership (EBP) invited MLP Mark Kennedy along to take part in Unity College's Literacy Project. The aim of the day was for students to act out a scene from a play called Daz 4 Zoe which deals with equality and class issues. "My job was to encourage the group to work together as part of a team and to help them gain confidence to perform. It certainly was different to anything I have done before but it was a thoroughly enjoyable day."

24th November 2009 - Abbeyfield Industry...

Wayne Jones at Abbeyfield School invited MLP Mark Kennedy to talk to small groups of students about the benefits or hard study and self motivation in achieving success. The day was extremely well arranged with pretty much the whole school involved. Wayne fed back "Thank you for your valuable input, the students really appreciated your presentations."

20th November 2009 - Campion Students Set Work Experience Goals

13 students from Campion School benefited from Goal Mapping delivered by MLP Mark Kennedy ahead of their work experience placements in the Motor Trade. Project Coordinator Chris Brooks stated the session was, "Very positive and motivating session which thoroughly prepared the students for their work experience."

85% of the students stated at the start of the session that they did not set themselves goals of any kind but their mood was changed by the end of the morning session with 100% saying that they feel they will now spend more time on focusing themselves in goal setting.

A follow up with the school a few weeks later, I learnt that all the students were progressing well in their work placements and continuing their hard work towards their qualification.

30th September 2009 - Fun At The YMCA Training...

MLP Mark Kennedy delivered Goal Mapping to a group of 12 Entry to Employment students at YMCA Training in Lincoln. The group, aged 16-18 thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon stating feedback including, "Awesome and educational in many ways." and "What an amazing experience! Made me realise that I should never give up in life."

27th August 2009 - First Session Delivered...

Campion School's Year 7 summer students were the first to enjoy Goal Mapping delivered on a beautiful sunny day. The 24 students in attendance fed back that the session was "fun and enjoyable" and it helped them to calm some pre-school nerves as they make the transition to secondary education, they all went away with a colourful goal map to get them started on the right foot. Extended Service Coordinator Alan Hackett stated "I was pleased at how well the students engaged with the presenter."

July 2009 - My MAD Journey Begins...

Hello, my name is Mark Kennedy and in July 2009 I began my MAD journey. MAD stands for Making A Difference and that is the number one reason why I began my partnership with the wonderful organisation.

For almost 14 years I have worked with young people, both in education and post 16, and have been responsible for helping over 650 job seekers (aged 16-21) begin their careers. My role took me into schools to work with students on a range of careers related events.

I love helping young people make a difference to their lives and to help them to see that they are in charge of their own destinies whether it is setting themselves goals, raising their self esteem or improving their study techniques. It is the most rewarding feeling ever. In this blog, I will share stories with you as I continue my journey...