Mrs Axford (Assistant Head)
In September, 66 Lower Sixth students and two Upper Sixth students began volunteering at two local schools once a week to support their pupils with their reading. Before we started Mrs Howe (Head of the Junior School) was kind enough to deliver a session with our students so they could be armed with a tool kit they could use to support younger students with their reading.
The two schools provide very different challenges for our students. In Shackleton Primary School our Sixth Form students have been attached to a mixture of Years 1, 2, 5 and 6 classes. It is a very dynamic environment where our students have to show the ability to adapt and fit in with changing circumstances on a weekly basis. The Shackleton children love the 1:1 attention, are generally very keen to read and would gladly spend the rest of the afternoon reading with our sixth formers!
Marston Vale have provided a very structured arrangement. Every BGS student has been paired with a Marston Vale student in Year 6 and each week spends 50 minutes with their ‘reading partner’. The first 25 minutes are spent supporting their reading partner as they complete a comprehension piece. This is then marked by each sixth former and the second half of the lesson is spent reading together and working on appropriate strategies like echo reading to continue developing their Marston Vale partner's vocabulary, fluency, expression and understanding.
Marston Vale have specifically identified the students in Year 6 who they feel will most benefit from this 1:1 support and both BGS and Marston Vale will be keen to measure the impact that our students are making. This 1:1 weekly session in the set pairs will stay in place right through until the end of the academic year.
This set-up has meant that the BGS students feel a real sense of ownership and responsibility to their reading partner. They are establishing a rapport over the weeks and appreciate that their focussed support each week is crucial for the Marston Vale students to make good progress.
Alexa Reid and Kittey Short (Lower Sixth) said: “We have found this to be an amazing learning experience, the children are really involved and willing to read and learn with us. We have really enjoyed meeting the children and forming bonds with them. The best part of going to Shackleton is seeing the children be excited to see us as the minibus arrives in the car park.”
Leyla Nurettin (Lower Sixth) added: “At Marston Vale Middle School I have had the privilege of supporting a year 6, with their reading and comprehension skills This has not only helped their learning and understanding but has enhanced my confidence communicating with younger children.”
