Sixth Former, Jamie explains the Tutor Partnering programme at Cokethorpe School
Can you tell us about the Tutor Partnering system?
Members of the upper sixth spend time each day with another year group from first form to fifth form within their house, generally supporting the members of that tutor group.
How does this work?
Part of the idea is to break down barriers that might otherwise slip in. We are lucky here in that we are a pretty cohesive unit as a school, you know people from other year groups through activities, sport, music, drama, houses, and so on, but in the sixth form, with your studies, you do start to feel a little separated from some of the new pupils further down the school. This programme provides a great way of keeping in touch with wider school life. I think that goes both ways and, for the younger year groups, it can perhaps feel quite intimidating at first approaching and talking with some of the sixth form who are, after all, on the verge of adulthood. It definitely helps with that approachability.
How do you support your group?
In all sorts of ways. I think there is that pastoral element where it might allow one of the younger pupils an opportunity to ask questions about what it is like in the sixth form, studying certain subjects to A Level, or even if there were a question, they felt more comfortable talking about with someone who is closer in age. As much as anything, I enjoy getting to know the younger pupils and hearing a fresh perspective on something that takes you out of your day-to-day life even for a few minutes over the session.
The school prizes its leadership traits; is this scheme a perfect bedfellow?
Absolutely. You can readily see how it is, and more to the point, it provides those opportunities for those who are not prefects or heads of school. Helping to build confidence and having the courage to talk with people you are not so familiar with, developing empathy in understanding their perspectives, or helping someone take responsibility for their studies by asking an older peer when they need some guidance.
