he contribution of volunteer tutors/mentors to the success of the Study Support Centre cannot be overstated. Coming from a variety of backgrounds and bringing a range of skills and experience, they give invaluable support to the Centre manager by aiding pupils’ learning and assisting with the running of sessions at the Centre. The tutor/mentor’s role can be wide-ranging, from supporting individuals or small groups with specific tasks, to helping pupils with target setting and recording learning gains in their work diaries. Mentors can also conduct valuable learning activities such as one-to-one reading sessions.

Whilst their role can vary from one centre to another, some aspects of the job include –

• Supporting the individual learning needs of pupils

• Demonstrating an enthusiasm for the role of education and the opportunity it provides

• Helping pupils to set their own academic and personal goals

• Encouraging independent learning

• Being a positive role model for pupils

• Inspiring and motivating pupils

• Being a good listener

Qualities looked for in Playing for Success mentors include –

• Enthusiasm

• A positive attitude to young people

• Reliability and commitment over an extended period of time, for example, one or two evenings a week over the three term sessions operated by the Centre

• Approachability

• Good listening skills

• Being prepared to discuss issues that may trouble a pupil

• Being non-judgemental of the pupils’ life experiences

• An awareness of issues around confidentiality

• A willingness to learn and develop alongside the pupils

• Being practical and realistic in the goals and demands placed upon pupils

Whilst mentors display considerable goodwill and commitment to Playing for Success and the Study Centre, there are wide-ranging benefits in return. These benefits include:

• Increasing your communication and interpersonal skills

• Increasing your self-confidence

• The chance to impart your enthusiasm and knowledge to pupils

• Reinforcing your subject knowledge and relating it to the outside world

• Getting to know people who are often from a wide range of social and cultural groups

• Participating in a valuable community service that is great fun

• Gaining experience that will help in making a choice of career

• Developing skills that are valued by employers

To read more about mentoring, use the links to access the following:

• Succeeding at Study Support – Principles of Good Practice  Read and print this information sheet

• What Qualities are looked for in a Mentor  Read and print this information sheet

• Benefits of tutoring at the Study Centre  Read and print this information sheet

• What is the role of the Mentor  Read and print this information sheet

If you are interested in becoming a mentor or require more details, please contact Mike Reid, Centre Manager on 0870 442 8708.