Spotlight on Sixth Form Mentoring Officers

Liv and Teddy, both Year 13, are keen to emphasise that no two mentoring sessions are alike. They - and their supporting team of Sixth Formers - mentor pupils from across the Senior School. Liv supports mentoring throughout the Girls’ School, whilst Teddy looks after the Boys’ School.

Liv explained: “Generally, I find that younger pupils, like Year 7s, are looking for pastoral support, while older pupils who are getting close to GCSEs are more focused on academic support.”

Teddy added: “I have four mentees at the moment, all academic. I’m passionate about languages, and I help three pupils with Latin and one with French. “However, we can help with anything, from settling in nerves, to tailored revision support.”

Pupils can reach out for support via their Form Tutor, Head of Year or the Pastoral team, or by emailing Liv and Teddy directly. Each mentee will benefit from 6 weeks of support from a Sixth Form volunteer, helping them to work through whatever difficulties they may be having. “All of the Sixth Form mentors are really nice people!” said Teddy, “Mentors are there to help and listen, not to judge. We have lots of people who want to support you.”

Mentoring sessions are generally held in form time or at lunch. When asked about the advice they would give to any younger pupils who might be feeling lonely, Liv said: “I always tell pupils to join some of our co-curricular clubs and try to form a friendship group. Sometimes, just having a chat with a mentor can help - it can help you work on your social and listening skills, and improve confidence.

Some people find it easier speaking to a Sixth Former rather than a teacher, we have been in their shoes and can offer peer support. It doesn’t feel as formal.”

Teddy added that he’d like to see more boys reaching out for support: “The mentoring service does have significantly lower numbers of boys asking for support, so I’d just like them to know that we are here, and not to be worried about getting in touch.”

Both students are enthusiastic about the impact that being a mentor has had on them. Teddy explains: “It’s given me a different perspective, and I’ve definitely improved my own empathy and social skills by being a mentor.”

Liv agrees: “It is so heartwarming to see your mentees thrive, especially if they may have started off shy and then you see them in the corridors with all of their friends. I also mentor in history, which I find really rewarding.”

After Dame Allan’s, Liv hopes to study medicine, whilst Teddy is pursuing studies in modern foreign languages.