The Marlowe Academy has teams of Learning Mentors managed by Year Team Leaders. Each team has a Lead Learning Mentor and Assistant Lead Learning Mentor. The focus of their work is firmly on Learning through supervision of study periods, support in class and their presence around the school. In addition there are Learning Mentors attached to specialist teams i.e EAL, Basic Skills, Student Welfare, ASD and EBD. Each team has a co-ordinator and they address the specific learning needs of targeted students. This includes the teaching of small group numeracy and literacy sessions, social skills group work, individualised timetables and programmes of study.

A recent development has been a Skills for Working Life course delivered to a small group of Year 11 students with various learning needs. A newly appointed Learning Mentor also works with the Student Welfare Officer in supporting a parent/carers group. Specialist Learning Mentors also have a caseload of students to support attendance and punctuality to lessons. Learning Mentors contribute to the Enrichment Programme (i.e extra curricular sessions timetabled during the school day).

Learning Mentors work with G & T students in different situations. Examples are supporting individualised programmes of study for ASD students, focussing on G & T EAL students, enrichment activities and independent study support. Lead Learning Mentors are involved in Leadership Group Meetings re: support for gifted students in achieving academic success. EQ has a whole school focus and learning mentors are included in whole staff INSET and general initiatives. There is a whole school 3 weekly mentoring programme.

Key Successes and Developments
Development of ASD team this year with 2 learning mentors working with team co-ordinator. Students are thriving in a mainstream setting who were previously either extremely unhappy presenting with behavioural difficulties or refusing to go to school. Extended transition period has been particularly successful. Advice and support given to Primary Schools.
Basic Skills team of 2 teachers and 4 learning mentors achieved great success last year in raising RA of a targeted group of students with RA less than 8 years in Years 7 & 8. Basic Skills also overseeing Accelerated Reading Scheme for all students Years 7 – 9. New initiative this term is numeracy classes with Basic Skills team for students in Years 7 & 8.
Skills for Working Life course started this term for students in Year 11. Learning Mentor working as part of Vocational Team. Parent/Carers group successfully launched, supported by experienced Learning Mentor. Year 8 learning Mentor working on project with EBD co-ordinator and educational psychologist to identify, target and support students who are in danger of developing severe behavioural problems. Aim is to avoid students reaching EBD team.
Social Skills programme now delivered by Learning Mentors after INSET and joint delivery with Claire Bridgewater last year. Professional training opportunities for Learning Mentors with some studying for degrees.

Evidence of Impact
Comments from Year 6 Open Evening were extremely positive about support available.
Reputation gained for specialist work with ASD students, county wide requests for advice on EAL student.
Favourable comments about support for homework.
Support of school by parents and carers group, with attendance at Open Evening by the Marlowe Parents and Carers Group as part of out support and guidance team.
One of the learning mentors now a qualified teacher working in the school.

Priorities for 2007-08
Continue to support professional development and training of learning mentors.
Implement fully and monitor success of Year 8 project with Jane Birnie, Ed Psych. (project is for 2 learning mentors to target students who may be heading for EBD support).
Extend above scheme if successful to Year 7.
Monitor success of Numeracy programme.
Monitor success of Skills for Working Life course.
Consider role of learning mentors in supporting students with both EAL and SEN.
Develop parent/carers group.
Further training of learning mentors to develop social skills sessions.