Pre-Tertiary Studies Program

St Andrew’s College has always been – and will remain – committed to providing young adults with educational opportunities that will enrich their lives. Almost invariably, this has entailed providing a rich tapestry of programs to our young people, to students of the College.

However, the College’s newly-created Institute of PreTertiary Studies challenged the view that our role is confined to supporting university students. The Institute, which is run jointly by the Admissions Office and Education & Student Life Department, defines its purpose as building a bridge between current St Andrew’s College students and high school students for their mutual betterment.

The Institute’s first program is called the ‘Pre-Tertiary Mentoring and Tutoring Program’. This program involves College students providing advice and guidance to HSC students on a range of topics: How do I study effectively? How do I answer this question? Who can I talk to about this problem?

The first event series of the program involved 60 students visiting – and staying at – St Andrew’s College in February. They were given information sessions, meals, mentoring sessions, and a few other fun activities… a true taste of life at Andrew’s.

But perhaps the most impactful event series has been a more recent one. The College contacted NSW schools to see if their students were interested in all-online mentoring and tutorial sessions run by our students. The reaction from both our students and HSC students was overwhelming. More than 140 Androvians signed up to be mentors and/or tutors, while more than 200 high school students signed up to gratefully receive their support.

To date, more than 500 tutoring and mentoring sessions have been held online, bringing people together from across the country.

The 2020 Senior Student Jack Grant is delighted by the takeup. ‘I’m thrilled, but not surprised, that so many of my peers have jumped on board,’ he said. ‘And the feedback already has been that they are getting as much out of this as the HSC students. It’s an amazing opportunity to develop your leadership and teaching skills, and the feeling of giving back has been really rewarding.’

Conscious of the financial challenges people are facing, the College has incurred all costs associated with running the program.

You can learn more about the Institute of Pre-Tertiary Studies (in particular the Pre-Tertiary Mentoring and Tutoring Program) here: https://www.standrewscollege.edu.au/st-andrews-collegeannounces-pre-tertiary-studies-program/.

Minami Takahashi Dean of Admissions