Volunteer Mentor Review

As a mentor, you are expected to go in to classes and hold 1:1's with your focus list to set goals around elements of their schooling they might need help with. You could be helping with a certain subject, improving their attendance, etc. You will have an IO that will be in school 2 days a week but contactable all 4 days and on the 5th day you participate in a learning development day, where you come together with other VMs from other schools.

I have improved in my confidence and sense of authority in the classroom. I've become better at presenting and learnt how to tutor a small number of students independently.

You are given loads of responsibility. You are treated like staff and are contributing to the development of 8-10 students. You work with staff to build plans that can help the students but are often given the responsibility of putting the plans in motion.

Your IO is your main point of contact and will help support you in the placement. However there are many other people who also guide you through the year. There is a whole team at City Year that are ready to answer any questions or fix any problems and then there are the staff at the school including your point of contact.

The atmosphere is very energetic, a bit americanised but incredibly friendly and helpful.

I loved my placement. It was exactly what I needed to gain the experience and confidence i needed for my next steps.

Yes

It is a lot of hard work but if your willing to put in the effort then you will definitely reep the rewards.