A Nottingham student has put her university plans on hold and returned to her former school to help other pupils catch up after lockdown.
Jaclyn Olaniyan, 18, from Bilborough, has gone back to Nottingham University Samworth Academy (NUSA) to support pupils as a peer tutor, with the experience leading her to consider a career in teaching.
“I hadn't planned on taking a gap year, but the situation with last year's A-Level grading resulted in me not getting into my first choices of university," she said.
"I was first told about the tutoring organisation Yipiyap on results day last year. Now taking a break from learning, I am back at my old school to work with pupils aged 14-16 helping them in maths, English and science, both on a one-to-one basis and in larger groups.”
Yipiyap provides peer tutors to schools all over the UK. Founded in 2012 by former maths teacher Anne Morris, the organisation harnesses the talent of high-achieving sixth formers and following an interview process, places them with schools for a gap year or two.
The organisation has seen a record number of applications this year, as students defer university or travelling plans due to coronavirus restrictions.
“It was daunting at first, being so close in age - and I have been mistaken for a student a couple of times - but it is giving me more confidence to plan my future. I am still looking to go to university to study accounting or train to be a maths teacher,” said Jaclyn.
“We often see our tutors really decide their future plans once they realise how much they enjoy teaching,” says Anne Morris, founder of Yipiyap.
“They learn so much from the classroom and gain whole new skill sets that help shape their future. We’re delighted that Jaclyn’s experiences have been so positive.”
Adrian Rollins, deputy headteacher of Nottingham University Samworth Academy, said: “It’s fantastic to welcome Jaclyn back to school, she was a hardworking and popular student and is proving to be the same as a tutor, already making a great impact on the learners she is supporting.
“Peer learning certainly helps with pupil confidence and we have seen our students thrive with her input, which is particularly notable during this time of uncertainty.”
