University launches pilot scheme tutoring disadvantaged students Date announced for Exeter Pride 2023

UNIVERSITY of Exeter undergraduates are tutoring disadvantaged schoolchildren as part of a pilot scheme intended to help make up for the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Volunteers, having received training, work once a week with groups of up to three. In return they receive a credit towards their degree. Paid compensation is an alternative that is likely to be trialled.

Pupils’ attainment will be measured before and after the tutoring. The programme is currently restricted to boosting literacy among 11- and 12-year-olds at St James secondary school, but is likely to expand and encompass more subjects. It is hoped that other universities will replicate it. This would help universities meet government expectations for them to work with local schools to raise attainment, especially among disadvantaged pupils. is separate from the NTP, it will ameliorate one of the latter’s weaknesses, according to Lee Elliot Major, Professor of Social Mobility at Exeter. the scheme alongside St James’ headteacher Lindsay Skinner.

In a statement given to Exeposé he said: “Whilst a range of tutoring interventions already exist, the tutoring landscape is fragmented, with variable quality and patchy coverage across the country. We believe a universityled tutoring service could embed tutoring for poorer pupils within the education system.

Sophie Errington, who was a tutor last term, said that she enjoyed the experience so much that she is considering a career in teaching. “It’s been so good to interact with these kids,” she said. “Seeing them grow in confidence has been really, really good. It’s also been really good for my English.”

Gracie Moore Lifestyle Editor

Livvy Mason-Myhill and Pollyanna Roberts Deputy Editors

THIS month, Exeposé have been investigating student opinions on veganism in light of ‘Veganuary’ taking place throughout the month of January. Veganuary is an initiative set up as a non-profit organisation with the aim of encouraging people to follow a vegan lifestyle for the month of January. Exeter Students’ Guild have been working with Guild VP Liberation and Equality Emma de Saram, to arrange a series of different events for students to get involved in this Veganuary. One event the Guild ran for Veganuary was a trip to the Sidmouth Donkey Sanctuary where students learned how to make a selection of different vegan recipes.

Emma de Saram also wrote a blog post for the Guild website about the ‘Top 5 Places to Eat in Exeter as a Vegan,’ and wrote a statement on her Instagram about the positive effect veganism has had on her life.

Even participating in something as simple as ‘meatless Mondays’ would have an impact on the environment

When Exeposé reached out to Exeter students via journo request, a majority of students expressed that they found that vegan products were accessible at the University, with multiple respondents drawing attention to the ‘£2 meals’ served in Devonshire House Monday to Friday following a successful campaign

The attainment gap between affluent and less affluent pupils has widened since the pandemic. The National Tutoring Programme delivered two million governmentsubsidised tutoring courses last year, as pledged, but struggled to reach disadvantaged pupils.

Although the Exeter scheme

The supply of tutors is a major challenge, particularly in ‘coldspot’ areas of the country.

A university-led tutoring service, supported by further education colleges could provide a consistent supply of undergraduate and other student tutors at scale to local schools.” Major developed