The Guardian – Ryan Wilson
“There’s nothing we can do to overcome our status as teachers. But peer mentoring offers a way to sidestep it. There are no teachers wagging fingers; just friendly faces offering the benefit of their experience. But what does peer mentoring look like in practice? And does it work? The Mentoring and Befriending Foundation (pdf) defines it as a one-to-one relationship, where the mentor volunteers their support to another student. Normally, it’s during a time of transition in the mentee’s life. Birmingham’s Hamstead Hall Academy runs two strands of the scheme: one for more able students, and another for those experiencing personal or family issues. Attendance is voluntary and pupils are encouraged to share experiences and work on specific subject areas.”(more)