College News

QE Links with St Aidan’s

Thirteen first year students who are studying AS maths or sciences at QE have been mentoring Year 9 pupils at St. Aidan’s Church of England Academy.  Maths and science teachers at QE and the Academy worked together to set up the programme and to ensure its success.

The QE students went to St. Aidan’s after College each Wednesday for six weeks where they worked individually and in small groups with Year 9 students to improve their skills in mathematics and science. The final session took place at QE where nineteen of the Year 9 pupils met with their mentors and worked in teams to complete a treasure-hunt around the College. The pupils and their mentors then went to the science lab where they carried out a chemistry experiment making slime and finished with a maths investigation where they had to compare the probabilities of winning different games.

Helen Greaves, Course Leader for A level Maths at QE, commented:

‘For our students the programme provided an excellent opportunity to develop and pass on their skills and gain experience of working with young people. For the St Aidan’s pupils it helped them to build their knowledge and confidence as well as giving them a taste of life at QE and an insight into the option of studying for A levels when they leave school.

The Year 9 students enjoyed their visit to QE so much that a follow-up session at College is planned for the summer term.’