Mentoring support from Sid Valley Rotarians

Practical help for Sidmouth College sixthformers deciding further education

AS part of the Devon Education Business Partnership scheme, three members from Sid-Valley Rotary Club have provided mentoring support to a group of sixth form students at Sidmouth College during the academic year 2009-2010.

The students were preparing for their first year exams primarily in technology and computer studies while also considering options for further education or employment for the following year.

The focus of the mentoring programme has been to provide advice, encouragement and motivation in a non-judgemental manner to the students with regard to their academic work and also their social activities.

A key objective has been to increase their self-esteem and self-confidence and to assist in their preparation for “life after school”.

At a practical level this has included discussions on improving time management, attention to detail for presenting information, drafting of CVs, interviewing techniques, employer expectations, whilst also giving direct feedback on their written project work.

Also, an important aspect of the mentoring role has been to analyse, at individual level, the relative merits of continuing with further formal education (university) or applying for an apprenticeship/employment scheme.

The mentors each draw on their own life skills and extensive work experience to provide the students with a much needed perspective.

The mentors have CRB clearance and have registered with the national STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) programme that aims to enhance and enrich the traditional school curriculum.