The SpLD Associate Scheme

Aim

The SpLD Associates Scheme was a face to face mentoring programme developed to increase learners’ motivation through raising awareness of their strengths, the progression routes available to them and as a result raising their engagement with learning and attainment

The Process

15-session face-to-face sessions were combined with an e-mentoring platform to bridge the gap in the sessions and accommodate the changes in timetables and meeting arrangements. 15 University undergraduates worked with  66 students across 8 schools and 6 colleges in a combination of one-to-one and group mentoring sessions.

The undergraduates designed and developed a dedicated website housing information resources and contacts specific to students with Specific Learning difficulties, (inspired)  in collaboration with  BirghtsideUNIAID   

Outcomes

• 90% of pupils planned to go to University in the future a 32% increase from the pre-questionnaire
• 60% increase in those who agreed or strongly agreed that that they were aware of the support that would be available to them at University
• 59% increase in students believing they had the potential to go to University
• 31% increase in belief that they will 'fit in' at University)