Students who have the motivation and time to take their learning further can do so with the Kōtui Ako Mentoring Programme. Learners will be supported to plan a project related to their current learning and suited to their interests and strengths.
Who would be a good fit?
A good fit would be a learner who:
- is successfully participating in a Kōtui Ako programme
- is good at managing their learning independently
- has time to spend on a project
- has an adult at school with time to have regular project discussions
Take learning further
The Mentoring programme is designed to support learners who are already participating in a Kōtui Ako programme - with good attendance and track record of independent learning.
Student strengths will impact the direction of the project, and these will be unpacked during sessions. Language students, for example, could teach younger children, or code a language game, or create a learning resource. There may also be the opportunity to collaborate with others.
Support to grow a project
The support base begins with the students themselves. The programme connects learners and provides a space to share ideas, support and motivate, and eventually celebrate a project related to their current Kōtui Ako class. The eTeacher is there to facilitate discussion around strengths and interests, project selection, provide strategies to lessen challenges around organisation and anxieties, and where needed, connect students to additional expertise.
Time to delve deeper
Being in the mentoring programme affords students an extra hour of school time to spend on their project, and it is encouraged that more time is spent at home or school where possible. The additional hour is flexibly spent between Zoom discussions with the eTeacher, other students, and independent project time.
Support from school
Ensuring students have time to participate in the programme, and the support to manage their project is an important role for the school. Having an engaged school support person to regularly discuss the project with the student better positions the project for success.
The details
- 1 hour minimum each week
- Up to 45 minutes on Zoom, but some weeks completely independent.
- Timing for Zoom sessions will be negotiated after students and schools have registered their interest.
- Mentoring is 25 weeks running W1 Term 2 until end W5 Term 4 (mid-Nov).
If you have questions or comments, please get in touch with Jen Hammonds.
jenni.hammonds@kotuiako.school.nz