Ben has thanked us for arranging the mentorship programme.
It is completely different from having a tutor and we feel that it is going to have a very positive impact on him. – Ben’s parents
Gabbitas tutors have the skills to help their students with more than just their schoolwork and exam preparation. Thriving at school can require more than just academic excellence and musical or sporting ability. For many, confidence and the ability to express oneself are key to enjoyment both in and out of school. At Gabbitas, we listen to your needs and tailor the tuition accordingly.
Consequently, we have arranged mentorship programmes for various students. These are not designed to focus on a certain subject, but to instil confidence, provide guidance, and challenge the student by discussing novel issues.
Reigniting a love for learning
Ben is an extremely capable pupil, obtaining excellent grades across the board in addition to having achieved is Grade 8 piano and his Grade 6 cello. He participates in a wide variety of extracurricular activities including judo, horse-riding, swimming, an chess. Ben is hoping to attend Eton or Winchester College from 2023.
Whilst Ben is a very talented individual and has a bright future ahead of him, he began to shy away from activities that he had previously immersed himself in and showed signs that he was not believing in himself fully, which caused his parents and teachers concern. The reason for this change in behaviour was unclear, but they sought our help to find Ben an academic mentor, to assist with any queries he had, discuss common interests and encourage his learning.
Finding the right mentor
The first step we took was to arrange an introductory video call for the family with our chosen mentor. This was an opportunity for them to outline their expectations, ask any questions they may have and ensure that they were happy the tutor was right for Ben. There is no ‘one size fits all’ approach when it comes to tutoring and mentoring, so we actively encourage an introductory meeting with the tutor before making an commitments. Ben and his parents were delighted with our chosen mentor, and they arranged to meet for lunch for their first session. With no formal learning materials to discuss, the brief was to have a thought-provoking discussion with Ben and encourage him to express his opinions and ideas.
Tailoring the programme structure
Since their first session in August 2021, Ben has had 40 hours of mentoring and his relationship with his mentor has blossomed. The content covered in their sessions is diverse. Topics have ranged from philosophy and the concept of time to Ben’s social life at school and his hobbies. The balance between intellectual discussion and general conversation is designed to challenge Ben and broaden his horizons, whilst forging a strong bond with his mentor. By discussing such a variety of subjects, Ben is becoming a more rounded individual and this will put him in an excellent position for school entrance interviews.
Important skills for the future
Exam grades are undoubtedly important, but the value of being able to hold a good conversation, expressing opinions and being educated about issues outside of academia should not be underestimated. These qualities in turn affect confidence and happiness at school. The right academic mentor can bring holistic benefits to a students’ life by improving social skills, self-belief, study skills, passion for learning and greater interest in current affairs. This has certainly been the case with Ben.
If you feel that your child would benefit from an academic mentor, please get in touch with our tutoring team via tutoring@gabbitas.com
If you would like to find out more about our Gabbitas tutors head here to our tutoring page.
Please note that names have been changed in line with our confidentiality policy.