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Paired Tutoring Involving P4 & P7 Children

Why was this partnership activity necessary - concerns, aims, difficulties etc?
In school there is a group of P4 children who are very low achievers in reading. Due to other demands, it was not possible to provide ongoing support for them by school staff or by Network Support staff. P7 children as tutors appeared an obvious source of additional support. In this way it was hoped to raise the attainment level of the P4 children in reading.

Where does this partnership operate?
Berryhill Primary School
Hillcrest Avenue
Wishaw
ML2 7RB

When does this work happen?
There are two twenty-minute sessions per week.

How does the scheme work? How is it maintained, sustained and evaluated?
A Work Folder and Task Sheet have been supplied to each P4 pupil within the group. These folders are kept in an accessible location where the paired children work together. On the Task Sheet are listed the reading activities which the P4 child is expected to complete during the Paired Tutoring time. The P7 tutors complete a Comments Box providing 'feedback' as to the tutee's performance on that day. After each session, the P4s completed work and the P7s comments are taken into account when selecting activities for the next occasion.

What are the benefits? What difference does this partnership make?
During the Paired Tutoring sessions the P4 children are very focused on their work. Noted benefits include speed, an improvement in reading skills and a growing confidence in reading. The P7 tutors have shown responsibility and express enjoyment and satisfaction in this partnership. Even 'disenchanted' P7 pupils are desperately keen to participate and show concerned involvement with their 'pupils'.

2.2 Berryhill Primary School, Wishaw, North Lanarkshire