Students learning together
Oxford University undergraduates joined pupils and teachers from schools in the city to celebrate the first year of the 'Learning Together' project at St John's College Auditorium on Tuesday.
The event recognised the work of more than 80 undergraduate students from the University, who over the past year have been working alongside teachers in 20 local schools as part of the project organised by Community Service Volunteers.
During their time as 'student tutors' the undergraduate volunteers have visited classes in local schools for one afternoon a week, for at least a term, to provide one-to-one tuition for pupils, or help with general class work, projects, after school clubs, sport, music, or performing arts. As well as providing practical classroom assistance for teachers, the project aims to introduce fresh ideas and enthusiasm to the school communities to which the students volunteer.
Andrew Grimley, President of Learning Together Oxford, said that "Student tutors not only provide valuable academic support but also act as positive role models, helping to raise pupils' aspirations and encourage them to go on to further education". The third year Physicist from Queen's College added that "Our volunteers are helping to break down some of the barriers between academia and the local community, giving students the opportunity to gain teaching experience while giving pupils extra help in class.'
The response for schools has been similarly positive. "The help and enthusiasm of our student tutors has benefited the school by freeing the teachers to teach and bringing ideas and enthusiasm into the classroom,' commented Keith Plonford, Head Teacher at Cutteslowe First School. "They have shown intelligence and sensitivity and I hope that they have gained an insight into the complexities of teaching today, and will be motivated by this experience to take up teaching in the future.'
8th Jun 2001