Students in Classrooms
Use your experience as a student at NTU to become a positive role model for young people who are considering higher education.
Make a difference to the lives of young people in Nottinghamshire
Now more than ever, we know the importance of helping others and addressing issues in society. Recent events have disrupted the education of young people and those from disadvantaged backgrounds have been affected most.
Our Students in Classrooms schemes provide support for children and young people in local schools and colleges. By taking part, you will act as a positive role model, supporting pupil attainment and personal development, whilst increasing awareness of higher education and the opportunities it can offer.
Whatever your career plans, our schemes will look great on your CV, enhance your employability and enrich your university experience.
Students in Classroom FAQs
Achievement Coaches (ACs) support secondary school pupils with their attainment and engagement with learning.
School pupils are experiencing extraordinary challenges and learning loss because of the pandemic. By Autumn 2021, pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds were 3.5 months behind expected levels in reading. (RL & EPI, 2022) By acting as a supportive role model, students work with Y7 pupils on a programme-centered around literacy to develop their reading and writing skills.
The programme is a 10-week placement based in school between January and April where students work up to 7 hours per week. It is preferable that students undertake the hours over one day or two half days per week. This is a paid opportunity and applications are welcomed from both Nottingham Trent University and University of Nottingham students.
Primary Learning Advocates (PLAs) provide classroom support in Nottingham City and Nottinghamshire County primary schools.
PLAs inspire and motivate pupils to learn and realise their potential. They work in a school alongside a specific class and teacher, supporting attainment raising by assisting with small group learning or providing 1:1 support to targeted pupils who are falling behind in their expected level for literacy for their age. This programme is a 10-week placement where students work up to 7 hours per week. This is a paid opportunity and applications are welcomed from both Nottingham Trent University and University of Nottingham students.
For NTU students returning as Primary Learning Advocates, they have the opportunity to extend their experience in an additional role and can express their interest to be a Children’s University Advocate. This role supports the admin needs and some delivery of educational activities for Y5 and Y6 pupils in selected schools.
Outreach Ambassadors (OAs) support with a wide range of projects across the Centre for Student and Community Engagement.
The projects and activities Outreach Ambassadors support take place in school and on campus to pupils aged 9-18 and to young people transitioning into Higher Education. By leading groups and sharing their own educational experience Outreach Ambassadors embody key characteristics such as resilience, enthusiasm and positivity towards education and use this to act as a role model for young people.
Work is available on a casual basis, however there is a minimum commitment throughout the academic year of 20 hours. This is a paid opportunity currently offered to NTU students only.
Participant testimonials
One of the best things for me about being a learning advocate is the sheer flexibility of the role. There was never a dull moment and each week brought different activities and challenges.
Sophie, Learning Advocate
From the first training days I remember enjoying the fun and personal (yet still efficient and effective) character of the organisation. I had a great time meeting new and interesting people, as well as learning and developing cool skills.
Matthew, Achievement Coach.