Study Buddy Success

William Farr School near Lincoln has received a National Mentoring and Befriending award for their Study Buddy project.  Science and maths were the subjects targeted, and from January 06 until the SATS examinations in the Spring, thirteen sixth-formers guided thirteen Year-9 pupils in areas the younger pupils did not feel confident in.  They met at lunchtimes for 30 minutes a week for four months.  The mentors received training from the school in methods used by teachers and in communication skills.

A report in the local newspaper quoted one mentor, Eleanor (17) who mentored Hannah (14):

“I thought that it was quite a good way to give back to the community and I want to be a teacher: it was great seeing how Hannah grew in her knowledge –it’s nice to give something to other people in the school and I really enjoyed it.”

Teacher and Project Co-ordinator, Helen Hunter said that she has already received applications for mentors for this year.  She went on to say,

“The pupils who were mentored have improved their confidence and motivation as well as their enthusiasm for science.  There was a significant improvement in SATS levels this year.”

Aimhigher Lincolnshire and Rutland have supported this and similar projects in thirteen schools throughout the region and expect to expand the scheme further in 2007.

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