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University volunteers make a difference in Berkshire schools – University of Reading

University volunteers make a difference in Berkshire schools

University of Reading students are volunteering in large numbers this academic year to support pupils in schools in and around Reading.

Over 150 students from a range of subjects at the University, from Pharmacy to English give up their Wednesday afternoons to support the work of class and subject teachers in local schools. In particular, the support they offer in the area of science is invaluable to Berkshire schools.

The University's involvement in the Community Service Volunteers (CSV) 'Learning Together' scheme has now been running for over a decade. This year, 37 schools and their pupils will benefit from the help afforded by Reading students.

Julia Hodgson, CSV Student Tutoring Co-ordinator at the University of Reading, said: The University is proud that so many of its students volunteer to help in local schools. All parties benefit – pupils receive additional attention, teachers have an extra pair of hands in their classroom and most volunteers tell us that tutoring is fun and rewarding."

Angus Ferraro, second year Meteorology student, said: "I volunteered for the CSV scheme to get a taste of what it was like to be a teacher, do something enjoyable and help children learn along the way. I find the whole experience very rewarding and enjoyable, and would encourage others to try it out as well."

Richard Wylde, second-year Meteorology student, said: "I volunteered because I wanted to experience first hand class room teaching from the perspective of a teacher, rather than a pupil as I always had been. I was and still am considering teaching as an option upon completion of university. The experience has certainly been very interesting and has given me a much better understanding of what is required of teachers and the stresses and work loads that they encounter. It has also been rewarding to work directly with children and, hopefully, benefit and encourage their education."

ENDS

Further information from Alex Brannen, Media Relations Manager, on 0118 378 7388

Notes to editors:

Richard Wylde and Angus Ferraro, second year Meteorology students, Sam Cattell, second year biological sciences student and Samuel Holloway, second year pharmacy student all volunteer at Highdown School.

THE READING CONNECTION - SCHOOLS PARTICIPATING IN 2008-09

Secondary Schools

The Abbey

Blessed Hugh Faringdon

Brakenhale

Bulmershe

Hemdean House

Highdown School

Holt

John Madejski Academy

Kendrick School

Maiden Erlegh School

Reading Girls'

Reading School

Theale Green

The Willink School

Primary Schools

Alexandra Nursery

Alfred Sutton Primary

Christ the King RC Primary

Coombes Primary

Earley St Peter's CoE Primary

Emmbrook Infant

George Palmer Primary

Highwood Primary