Part B
In this essay I will attempt to analyse and critically evaluate the role, responsibilities and purpose of the learning mentor. I will highlight, and reflect upon, strategies used in schools today to support children’s education, thus assisting them to develop skills and achieve their full potential. Learning mentoring is designed to reduce barriers to learning in individual children. The learning mentor has a large range of duties which require the ability to encourage social inclusion, collaborate with external agencies for specialist support and expand care to families and carers. They are also responsible for contributing to the assessment of pupils, the transition and pastoral care of vulnerable students and identifying and removing barriers to learning that some young people are faced with during their time in education. Whilst examining the role of the learning mentor, I will highlight the similarities and differences to that of my role as a teaching assistant and then look, in greater detail, specifically at how science is taught and supported in schools today.
This essay will make reference to my practical experience at St Joseph’s primary school. This setting has approximately 200 pupils on its register. At present I am working in the Year 4 class offering general learning support. I hope to be able to show, by referring to practical examples from my everyday experience and subsequent research that the support received, in the setting in which learning takes place, can influence the quality of learning. In conclusion I aim to highlight the importance of the learning mentor and teaching assistant roles and the impact they have on a child’s achievement and success. It will also aim to evidence how the holistic approach of personalised learning builds self-confidence, a sense of emotional belonging and creates the best conditions for students to flourish academically as well as personally. Ultimately it is my hope this will allow me to...