York Students in Schools tutoring programme wins award
Posted on 14 February 2020
Two student tutors at the awards ceremony
Tutoring has a huge potential to impact on the attainment of a young person. Research has suggested that tutoring can accelerate learning by five additional months, and possibly raise grades by two levels.
Earlier this year, 38 volunteers from the University of York offered English and Maths GCSE tutoring to Year 11 pupils at four secondary schools in York, who otherwise wouldn’t be able to access the support, through York Students in Schools.
Between January and March 2019, these volunteers delivered eight, one hour long sessions, helping pupils in the run up to their GCSEs. Schools selected pupil premium students who they believed could achieve their potential with additional support. By giving their time, the volunteers helped to reduce the attainment gap in York, increasing the confidence and grades of the young people involved.
Speaking of the programme, Rob Orr, Associate SLT at Vale of York Academy, said: “there has been impact in terms of increased assessment grades and the confidence from the students has risen dramatically. Our kids have been very lucky to be part of the project.”
Tutors also spoke highly of the scheme, stating that the “experience was really beneficial for me, and has provided me with skills and experience that I have already taken further.”
The programme was robustly evaluated by the University of York and found fantastic results. The mean attainment for pupils receiving Maths tuition improved by an entire grade. Pupils noted increased confidence in study skills including literacy, problem solving and verbal and written communication and 96% of the pupils involved said they would recommend the programme to a peer.
Rod Sims, Headteacher at York High, said of the volunteers: “by giving up your time you can influence and change someone’s life for the better. The legacy of your donation will be a lifetime of increased opportunity for our pupils.”
The programme is continuing this year for the third year running with three secondary schools.