Getting a mentor
There are many benefits of having a mentor. Some of these are:
Benefits to students
- a role model - someone who has progressed through life and overcome problems and can share this journey with the student
- someone to talk to - learning mentors can offer quality time in a confidential space encouraging students to share their concerns
- someone to motivate and support - a person dedicated to listening to young people and helping them to plan their lives
- someone to help - with bullying, behaviour problems, anger management, coping with transition
- someone with experience – who is aware of different learning styles and learning techniques
Benefits to schools and communities
- improvement - in exam results, attendance and punctuality rates and classroom behaviour
- support – for teachers, and pastoral and out-of-hours support for parents/carers and students
- reduction in fixed-term and permanent exclusions - learning mentors offer behaviour strategies and reintegration programmes
- change in culture - as schools begin to employ a range of professional support staff
- development - of community and school joint projects, leading to greater student involvement in the community
- shared understanding of roles
- enhanced local employment opportunities
Benefits to families
- improved relationships and participation with school
- increased awareness of the educational system and assessment
- confidence in child’s strengths
- greater feeling of empowerment at parents’ evenings
- sharing experiences, skills and knowledge with the school
- helping schools to familiarise themselves with different cultures
- someone to talk to
For more information on getting a mentor for your child, please contact your child's school.