Mentoring at Bridge Learning Campus

As part of the Bristol Achieve initiative, sixth form students from Redmaids' High School GDST engage in a meaningful mentoring programme with Year 9 students at Bridge Learning Campus (BLC). This partnership is designed to empower young learners at BLC by focusing on two key areas: public speaking and presentation skills.

The mentors act as role models, offering encouragement and practical advice to help the Year 9 students overcome any anxiety about speaking in front of an audience. They also incorporate activities to build interpersonal skills, such as teamwork exercises and discussions about effective body language and voice modulation.

Background

The mentoring sessions take place weekly, providing consistent support and developing strong relationships between the mentors and mentees. During these sessions, Redmaids' High School students guide their BLC peers in creating interesting presentations, ensuring their ideas are well-structured and clearly articulated. Beyond the technical aspects of public speaking, the programme also focuses on developing confidence and effective communication.

Impact

By the end of the programme, the mentees not only improve their public speaking capabilities but also develop a sense of pride in their achievements, thanks to the encouragement and guidance of their mentors. The impact of this partnership extends far beyond the classroom, inspiring young minds to confidently share their voices in any setting.

This collaboration benefits both groups of students. While BLC students gain invaluable skills and a boost in self-esteem, Redmaids' High School mentors strengthen their leadership abilities and deepen their understanding of the importance of community engagement. The initiative also focuses on mutual respect and understanding across schools, contributing to a more connected and inclusive educational environment in Bristol.