Sixth formers inspire younger pupils through primary support scheme
Students at Astrea Academy Sheffield have been going into their academy’s primary year groups to support the younger children with their learning
Sixth form students at Astrea Academy Sheffield, part of Astrea Academy Trust, have begun an exciting new initiative supporting pupils in their academy’s Primary Phase.
The students spend time in the primary years groups at Astrea Academy Sheffield, offering academic help and positive role-modelling to younger learners.
The programme pairs Year 12 and Year 13 students with primary classes from Nursery to Year 6 and small groups to assist with reading, maths, creative projects and classroom activities.
While beneficial to the younger children, the scheme also helps to boost the sixth formers skillset and confidence and gives them valuable experience to talk about in university applications and job interviews.
Staff from both phases say the collaboration is already having a noticeable impact and the Astrea sixth formers say the experience has been very rewarding.
Sixth form student, Lamece, said: “It’s really boosted my confidence about working with younger children. Having the opportunity to support in Years 2, 3 and 4 has helped confirm that I want to be a teacher and work with children in Key Stage 2. I also have been able to use my work experience in my personal statement for university."
Sixth former, Hajar, added: “My experience volunteering at the primary school assisting both a Year 3 and Year 4 class, helped me develop a deeper understanding of how schools act as essential agents of socialisation, shaping children’s values, behaviours and aspirations, beyond the formal national curriculum. It was an enjoyable and enlightening educational opportunity I would partake in again!”
Gemma Driver, head of Sixth Form at Astrea Academy Sheffield, said: “This partnership between our Primary Phase and Sixth Form has been a great success and has strengthened our sense of community within our academy.
“Spending time with the younger pupils has helped our sixth form students develop a range of skills, such as communication, responsibility and teamwork, that will support them in their future education and careers.
“The opportunity to work in the primary has supported students in applying for midwifery, nursing and teaching degrees at university.”
Rachel Flemming, head of primary phase at Astrea Academy Sheffield, said: “Having sixth formers support our pupils brings tremendous value to them and to staff.
“Their maturity and enthusiasm make them excellent role-models and our younger children have gained confidence and knowledge from working with someone closer to their age.”
David Boyd, principal of Astrea Academy Sheffield, added: “At Astrea Academy Sheffield, we are determined to see students achieve excellent grades and develop their character so that when they leave us at the end of Year 13, they are well prepared for a successful future whether that is at university or a desirable alternative.
“This is why we are proud to offer a wide range of extra-curricular activities such as this partnership with the Primary Phase to make sure our students can achieve their goals and ambitions.”
Astrea Academy Trust runs 26 academies across South Yorkshire and Cambridgeshire, with all being rated as Good by Ofsted inspectors.