Sixth form helps school students with extra maths sessions ahead of exams
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A group of year 12 Abbeygate Sixth Form College students have been giving up their time to help County High learners ahead of their maths exams.
The project started in 2023 and so far, around 30 Abbeygate learners have gone along to the Bury school to support year 11 students over a six-week period for one hour at a time.
With a ratio of one Abbeygate student to two County High learners, teachers estimate that around 60 youngsters have benefited from the scheme that is having a positive impact on results according to Hannah Colson - the head of maths at County High.
Hannah said: “It’s a really good programme where the Abbeygate students provide tuition and mentoring. Our students really value that support ahead of their maths exams.
“We have seen the project is having a positive impact on results and our learners have really grown in confidence. Some of the students are the faces of Abbeygate’s future - so it’s also a nice introduction to life at the sixth form. I’d like to say thank you to Abbeygate.”
Dominic Nice is a teacher of maths at Abbeygate. Dom said: “We saw that there was a need in the community that could be fulfilled by our year 12 students and it also gives our students new skills that can be added to their CV’s and UCAS applications. Largely though, our students just want to help out.
“I think it’s been paying off from both sides and it’s a really powerful programme. We are planning more sessions in February through to Easter and potentially this could be rolled out to other areas of the curriculum such as science. It’s important to support your local community.”
George Gribble from County High with Emily Houlder from Abbeygate who is teaching Geroge extra maths skills ahead of his exams
George Gribble, 15, from Bury St Edmunds is a student from County High who has gained lots from the scheme. George said: “We have been doing this for four weeks and it’s been going well. I’ve learnt lots of algebra and other things I’ve found tricky. I think this is going to improve my grades.”
Emily Houlder from Abbeygate with George Gribble from County High during the maths project between the two educational establishments.
Emily Houlder, 16, from Barrow is studying A levels at Abbeygate and she has been supporting the project. She said: “I volunteered as I was tutored by the same programme last year and it really helped me. I went from a 6 in my mocks to an 8 in my exam - so it was really helpful. I am also involved in a STEM award and as part of that, I have to teach the next generation.
“It’s been really delightful. You get to see their (students) confidence improve. It’s having an impact on results, so it makes it all the more worthwhile.”
