A week in the life of a Navigators mentor: Sarah Lowe

Working as a mentor can be a very rewarding and satisfying job. I get to work with my students to try and find a way of learning that suits them. By tailoring the learning experience to suit each student’s needs, I can make a significant difference to their understanding and engagement in all aspects of day to day life. As mentors, we also create a personalised learning package to support individual student requirements which is interest led.

The day starts with a pick up from home and this provides effective communication between the mentor and the student. This is key when working with students to understand their needs and preferences for learning that day. I have open and clear communication, which creates support so that the student feels valued, encouraged, and ready to learn. 

We usually start our first session with a focus on both academic content and personal development to help students not only enhance their knowledge and skills, but also grow as individuals. By incorporating elements of personal growth alongside academic learning, I support students in developing essential life skills and a holistic understanding of the English and maths curriculum. Students then take a short break before engaging in their second academic session of the day.

During lunch time I incorporate activities that promote life skills that can be both fun and educational. Activities where students can learn nutrition, meal planning, ordering food and table manners are included into their daily schedule. 

Both of my students also attend the bike maintenance course.  During these bike maintenance sessions students work towards a Level 1 Bike Maintenance accreditation. The course content includes health & safety, pre-ride checks, fixing punctures and cleaning bikes. After completing these maintenance tasks we go out on a bike ride in a calm, outside environment with a limited number of people around. The bike rides give our students the opportunity to spend some time outdoors, have fun with others and get their daily exercise in a relaxed and easy going environment. 

During the week my students also take part in a variety of enrichment sessions. I incorporate a range of activities into their schedule, including… 

A long walk in the woods or by the river – Taking students for a walk whilst focusing on communication and personal development can be refreshing and an effective way to engage them in learning. During the walk, I encourage students to discuss various topics, practise active listening, reflect on personal goals or even engage in mindfulness exercises to promote mental well-being and self-awareness. It is a great way to combine physical activity with valuable learning experiences.

Bowling – during the bowling sessions students learn teamwork, strategy and sportsmanship, enhancing their life skills in these everyday settings. Additionally, the physical activity involved in bowling contributes to their fitness.  Encouraging communication and collaboration between the student and mentor during the game can further develop their interpersonal skills.  It’s a creative way to integrate various aspects of learning into recreational activities.

Tree top trail – Tree tops is a great way to develop confidence building, fitness and team building in an exciting way to promote a sense of achievement and camaraderie.  It’s a fantastic way to combine adventure with personal growth.

Gym – Students have the opportunity to attend the gym to focus on fitness, healthy lifestyles and  English and maths in a well-rounded way.  Engaging in physical activity at the gym promotes fitness and overall well-being, while incorporating academic skills in a practical setting.

My student has recently made a model house – by completing this activity my student has incorporated learning and academic skills within a hands-on project that has engaged them in a different way.  It allows the student to apply their creativity, problem solving skills and even some maths concepts in a practical and fun way.

All of the above help to provide an enriching, engaging and interactive experience for my students at Navigators. No two days are the same and that is part of what I love about the job. Finding new ways to engage with my students is so rewarding and I can’t wait to see what other avenues we have to explore in the future.