Tutor Timothy Ball (second from left) helps (from left)
Faiumu Pavahi, Lisa Lam Cheung and Christian Schaaf (all
17) with a mathematics problem at the Pacific Island
Centre. Photo by Linda Robertson.
Bridging the gap between secondary and tertiary education
is a goal of the Dare to Succeed Homework Programme run by the
University of Otago Pacific Island Centre.
Centre manager Tofilau Nina Kirifi-Alai said the programme
started last year as a way to introduce Pacific Island
secondary school pupils to tertiary education. It was clear
many pupils arrived unprepared for tertiary studies, as they,
and their parents, did not know what NCEA was.
"We were thinking of those students who go home and there is
nobody there to help them."
This year, the focus moved from helping pupils select the
right subjects to succeed at a tertiary level to helping them
gain basic literacy and numeracy skills.
"The students now know it's a place for them to come for
support and advice."
The programme was held on Saturday between 10am and 12pm and
was aimed at year 11-13 Pacific Island pupils. It would run
until early December, after exams.
About eight pupils had attended so far, with more expressing
interest, but not having transport to the centre.
Mrs Kirifi-Alai said Studholme College would lend the
programme its van, and pupils would now be collected.
"We are trying to eliminate silly things that are in the way
of our students achieving," she said.
Specialised tutors ran the programmes, with two focusing on
English and one on maths. Different subjects would be focused
upon if required.
Pupils were "excited" and "engaged", and "finally the penny
dropped" for them, as they began to understand subjects.
Pupil Faiumu Pavahi (17) said the extra tutelage was
important because she wanted to get into university with good
grades.
Everyone attending the programme was aiming to go to
university, she said.
Having a smaller group with one-on-one tutelage made it
easier to learn.
There were also plans to hold an information session for
parents and caregivers to explain NCEA and help them support
pupils from home, Mrs Kirifi-Alai said.
"We are very passionate about bridging the gap."
- ellie.constantine@odt.co.nz
Bookmark/Search this post with:
A name, residential address, and (preferably residential) telephone number is required from readers who comment on ODT Online. These details will not be visible to site visitors.