Surrey students do their part for National Volunteering Week
Wednesday 20 February 2008
The Educational Liaison Centre at the University of Surrey is celebrating 10 years of its successful student tutoring and mentoring scheme. This anniversary coincides with National Volunteering Week which has influenced the lives and educational opportunities for thousands of pupils in Surrey.
Since the scheme began approximately 200 University students and local 6th formers volunteer in over 45 schools and colleges in Guildford and the surrounding area every year. Student Tutors assist within the classroom offering both academic support and general assistance. As Student Mentors they offer one-to-one subject support and guidance to year 9, 10 and 11 pupils.
The scheme provides schools and teachers with more opportunities for interactive learning, more individual pupil support, numeracy and literacy support, help with key skills and extra-curricular enhancement.
School pupils’ educational aspirations and motivation increases by having positive role models who are able to provide more individual tuition and attention.
The scheme gives participating University Students and local 6th formers an insight into the teaching and learning process. It also increases communication, problem solving and organisation skills and self-confidence.
A number of teachers involved say that the scheme has increased pupils’ attainment and motivation to study. For example, one young student from Kings College, Guildford, who was mentored by a University of Surrey student, has recently been successful in her application to the University of Oxford.
Sarah Mackintosh, Co-Principal, Kings College, comments: "The mentoring scheme offered by the University of Surrey has been of enormous benefit to our students. Every Wednesday we have over 40 university students sitting in our Learning Centre with equal numbers of our Year 11s discussing a variety of topics. The impact across Year 11 has been enormous, with an increasing focus on learning and achievement. Growing numbers of students have been asking for a mentor as the benefits of the scheme become apparent and are communicated across the year group."
All participants are required to obtain a Criminal Records Bureau check.
Media Enquiries
Peter La, Press Office at the University of Surrey, Tel: +44 (0)1483 689191, or Email mediarelations@surrey.ac.uk