Volunteer Mentor Review

On a day-to-day basis, I would mentor 10 students in Year 11. I really enjoyed this as every day was very different and I liked the fast paced atmosphere of the school. I would take the students out for 1-1 sessions at some points, but I also supported in class. I work with my mentor team in school as well as leasing with teachers and pastoral staff. I would also do 2x duties a day at break and lunch- which seems daunting at first however this is how I built the best relationships with my year group.

There were many chances to be responsible throughout the year which you could pick and choose- it was also helpful for me to wait to settle in before choosing to lead on a task. We got to take part in lots of team building activities and also lead on initiatives in school.

I have definitely developed all of my skills this year, and City Year spend time each half term focusing in on every skill. I have also had time to reflect on my skills this year and see certain ones in a different framing. For example, I never thought I was creative until this year when I realised that adapting and changing 1-1 sessions for the needs of all my pupils was in fact a show of creativity.

Loads. A point of contact at the school or my line manager was always on hand for any problems.

Really positive and nice to be involved in

I really enjoyed my placement, the opportunities from it have been amazing and I feel much more ready to finish university with a plan now. I also feel as though I have made a difference with the children which is what I set out to do in the first place

Yes