PHOTO OPPORTUNITY: Tomorrow (Wednesday, March 22) – details below
Students taking part in the BP Grampian Student Tutoring Scheme, which encourages voluntary work by university and college students in primary and secondary schools in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, will be presented with certificates of participation at an awards ceremony tomorrow (Wednesday, March 22).
Sixty-two students from the University of Aberdeen, 18 students from The Robert Gordon University (RGU), and three students from Aberdeen College have successfully completed a 14-week placement as student tutors in primary and secondary schools throughout Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.
To mark their achievement, the students will be awarded a certificate from the University and the scheme sponsors BP, Aberdeenshire and Aberdeen City Council, at BP’s Dyce Headquarters tomorrow.
Marie Howley, a final year student in English Literature at the University of Aberdeen, was one of the students who spent half a day for 14 weeks tutoring in the English Department at St Machar Academy. She said: “I feel I have gained an immeasurable amount from being able to be part of the school and its education team. The teachers at St Machar have highlighted the fulfilment that can be gained from teaching. Being part of the scheme has shown that it is hard work to be a teacher, but that the rewards felt from helping a pupil to progress is immense.”
Marie helped tutor in English across a number of classes ranging from first to third year level. She added: “I feel that I have received excellent support from the staff. They have been very friendly and forthcoming. The teachers patiently answered my questions and have facilitated my integration and involvement, for which I am extremely grateful.”
Teachers at the participating schools have also been very impressed with the work of the student tutors. Tom Watt, Principal Teacher of Special Educational Needs at Northfield Academy, praised the work of University of Aberdeen Philosophy student Jennifer Embleton. Mr Watt said: “Jennifer was an asset to the school. She was particularly helpful in the first year English class, where Jennifer’s interest in poetry was of particular use, and the pupils spoke highly of her.”
Sarah Fryett helped tutor pupils in French at Cornhill Primary School. Sarah enjoyed the experience and said: “The whole experience was fantastic, and I was basically given the flexibility by the class teachers of tutoring outside the school curriculum and to come up with new ideas to help pupils learn French.
“I plan to go onto study for the PGDE in Primary Education at the University of Aberdeen after I graduate this year, so this placement has given me a better understanding of the Scottish education system, as I studied at school in England. The scheme also gave me an opportunity to undertake voluntary work, since I wished to contribute and help those in the community where I live.”
Seema Miah, the Project Officer for aim 4 uni, a widening access scheme at the University of Aberdeen, co-ordinates the scheme for the institution. She said: “The scheme provides a valuable opportunity for students interested in a career in teaching, as they gain practical experience and interact directly with the school pupils. We have been impressed with the feedback we have received from teaching staff at participating schools, and we hope that the placements will help students with their career aspirations.”