Mentoring for children in year 11 - help at school to motivate our children - good idea?

[kippyleski]

I am currently looking to find enough funding to allow my local senior school to be able to provide year 11 children with some mentoring help for their final GCSE year. Its a school in a low income group and some of the girls have so much potential to get some decent grades if they were given more backup. One of them told me the other day that she doesnt know how many GCSE's she is sitting in the summer! The teachers are focused on the syllabus but i believe if coaching and mentoring works for adults at work why cant we give it to teenagers. These children are bright and capable but not necessarily getting the back up from home for various reasons. So many crossroads await them in that final year with college decisions to make.

Does anyone have an opinion? Are there any teachers out there who would like to think that their pupils have someone to help them? I know lots of schools have counselling support but this is a level on from this once the children are back on track enough to be attending regularly.

[notnowImreading]

Try this group - they are pretty fantastic. www.thegirlsnetwork.org.uk/old/

[BackforGood]

Lots of dc don't know how many GCSEs they are sitting - bright ones included - because of all the "equivalent to..." and "taken early" and "but it counts as 2" type scenarios, I wouldn't read anything into that.

That aside, however, what do you intend to offer, in practical terms - are you talking homework clubs, or "inspiring" talks, or additional staff in lessons with them, or what ?

[kippyleski]

thinking one to one sessions that do a combination of practical elements to make sure they are on track with college applications/ revision timetables etc and then focusing on their personal goals to motivate themselves into work. They could have a chance to see how better results will mean greater options for them to reach their own goals (not those set for them by others). Good coaches can identify limiting beliefs that are undermining an individuals progress and help them find ways round the blocks or 'negative voices'.

[citymum3]

I am in London and mentoring schemes seem quite common. My employer runs at least 3 jointly with schools, LEAs or charities. One is for BME students, one for top set children in poor schools to encourage and promote ambition another for middling children who could get 5 A-C and go to college but who can't see the point of the effort/school fears will miss the target. The amount of effort put in makes me think the organisers must be convinced of the efficacy. Good for the pupils good for the brochure about making corporates look better/ more human. Can't see it can do any harm to try?

[kippyleski]

Thank you for the encouragement! Glad to hear that others see benefit. Would it be ok for you to mention which schools? Understand if you'd rather not.

[twentyten]

Have you had a look at inspiring the future for speakers era from industry? Volunteers? I've dine a few sessions- really good. Your plan sounds excellent.

[morethanpotatoprints]

Coming from an area where I see what you are describing, I think its an absolutely brilliant idea.
I know that there are entry level courses at colleges for students who haven't done well in GCSE's or had the parental input, but the choice of courses can be limited.
Anything that takes positive steps to tackling those that fall through the net has to be respected.
Also, GCSE's are costly if dc gain confidence from these courses at college.
It makes sense for them to reach their basic education pre college.

I wish you luck and hope it works for you.
You sound a lovely caring person

[kippyleski]

Thank you! i appreciate the support, means a great deal.