Pupils take control! Unique peer learning app, Colet Mentoring, launches nationwide today
Amid chaos in the education system, students are stepping up and showing each other the way forward, turning to one of the most valuable resources they still have: each other.
Colet Mentoring, a first-of-its-kind peer learning app that allows students to learn from and support one another, launches today. Through Colet Mentoring, students are learning safely from each other right from their smartphones. Pioneered by St Paul’s School and London-based EdTech start-up, EasyA founded by two alumni of St Paul’s School, the app allows students to snap a photo of their question and get instant STEM help from a peer mentor.
Students learn via a combination of messages, pictures and virtual whiteboard with the lightweight, low-data format making the help accessible to most students, including those who have limited internet connections that don’t permit video sessions. The app is completely free for all students involved, with the innovative platform paving the way for a new model of highly scalable, 1:1 mentoring that promises to help students catch up and get ahead this lockdown and beyond.
Over 700 pilot sessions have already taken place prior to the official launch in London, Birmingham and Oxfordshire. Mentors are Year 12 and 13 students from any school who have achieved the top grades in their subject at GCSE, supporting younger mentee students from Years 5 to 11. With mentees connecting with mentors in under 60 seconds on average, the programme has proved a winning formula so far.
Stuart Block, Director of Partnerships at St Paul’s School, believes: ‘schools are stronger by working together. In this way, we can harness the collective knowledge of students involved and help those most in need of support.’
Students have enjoyed learning from others similar to them in age. One student at Christ’s School in London said ‘students are often easier to ask and answer questions than teachers’ and another believes that ‘it’s helped me when I get stuck. Because of coronavirus, I don’t have the opportunity to go to mentor programmes in person at school.’
Phil Kwok, co-founder of EasyA and former St Paul’s pupil along with brother and fellow founder, Dominic Kwok, adds: ‘We all know the comforting feeling of sitting next to the smartest kid in class. Through Colet Mentoring, we want all students to have that comfort, even when they’re socially distancing at home.’
Teachers have noted the power of the platform too, with Alun Ebenezer, Head Teacher, Fulham Boys School, London stating: ‘Covid-19 has created obvious gaps, particularly with some of our socially and economically disadvantaged pupils. Using technology and collaboration with other schools, such as in the West London Partnership, is going to be vital to help fill that gap.’
John Sparks, Director of Partnerships at Radley College, agrees: ‘The ease of use and scalability of the Colet Mentoring platform allows students – both mentors and mentees – to quickly engage in a purposeful manner… Students have benefited enormously from being part of the programme; mentees have had access to regular individual online support, while mentors have gained confidence, self-esteem and greater empathy through their tutoring.’
Sally-Anne Huang, High Master of St Paul’s School and Chair of HMC says: ‘I am really proud that the St Paul’s community has been behind this innovative way to get support to pupils during this challenging period. Something this simple and effective provides another tool in closing educational gaps at this time in particular but will also be of benefit to mentors and mentees into the future.’
Colet Mentoring is actively encouraging all schools across the UK, whether they are looking to provide volunteer mentors or get their students extra support, to join the movement. To find out more, simply email Stuart Block, Director of Partnerships, St Paul’s School – SB@stpaulsschool.org.uk or Phil Kwok at EasyA – phil@easya.co.uk
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