Students from the University of Aberdeen, Robert Gordon University, and Aberdeen College have successfully completed the BP Tutoring Scheme, a 14 week volunteering experience as student tutors in primary and secondary schools throughout Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.
A total of 87 students from the three institutions took part in the scheme, which aims to improve education in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire – 21 students from the University of Aberdeen, 46 students from Robert Gordon University, and 20 from Aberdeen College.
The students were presented with certificates of participation from their institutions and the scheme sponsors BP, Aberdeenshire and Aberdeen City Councils.
Twenty year old Lucy Bremner, a third year Management with Human Resources student from Robert Gordon University spoke enthusiastically about her tutoring experience at Mackie Academy and commented: "I have been accepted for my PGDE teaching course and I think I owe a lot of this to the practical experience gained from the BP Student Tutoring scheme."
Twenty two year old University of Aberdeen student Roslyn Purdie, who is studying Politics and International Relations, acted as BP Student Tutor at St Machar Academy. She said: "It was a great experience and the kids were fantastic - really refreshing and pretty funny too!"
As Chair of the BP Student Tutoring Steering Group, Christine Buchanan, Dean of Students at Robert Gordon University said: "The BP Student Tutoring Scheme provides an exceptional volunteering opportunity. For all participants, students, school pupils and classroom teachers, it provides an outstanding opportunity to share experiences, contribute expertise and enhance the school curriculum."
Felicity Keefe from the University of Aberdeen's Career's Service and a representative on the BP Student Tutoring Steering Group said: "This year we received a strong local response to the BP Student Tutoring Scheme with over 100 schools within Aberdeen city and shire requesting student tutors. The initiative has received positive feedback, with the schools reporting they have benefited greatly from the enthusiasm and energy with which the students approached the project."
Shelley Mackenzie, Child Protection and Schools Liaison Co-ordinator at Aberdeen College said: "This year the scheme attracted more than double the number of our students from previous years. In total 16 College students successfully complete their placements in 14 primary and secondary schools. The students came from a variety of different backgrounds – including those studying for their Highers, Social Sciences, Art, Music and Performing Arts. They all enjoyed the experience and appreciated being given the opportunity to work with the pupils."