Greater motivation, increased productivity and a strong student/tutor rapport are just a few benefits being experienced by St Rita’s College following the implementation of a past scholar tutoring program.

Six accomplished Class of 2020 graduates have been employed this year to tutor senior students across a range of subjects and in Study Skills workshops two evenings a week.

This follows the successful introduction of Alumnae Mathematics tutoring in 2019.

St Rita’s Head of Study Skills, Ms Amanda Wallas, said the College was extremely grateful to the Parents and Friends Committee, who had funded this addition to the program.

“We are confident it will be extremely beneficial for our students and further enhance the learning culture at the College,” Ms Wallas said.

“Not only is communication more effective because of the existing connection between current and past students, past scholar tutors are wonderful role models with recent and relevant experience. 

“As a result, senior students are more engaged, encouraged to attend study workshops, and are receiving support with specific subject areas in a comfortable and open environment.

“We are also able to more effectively adapt programs depending on how students respond to them.” 

2020 graduate and Alumnae Tutor Sophie Iles with students in the Library.

Having just started a Bachelor of Nursing at UQ, 2020 St Rita’s graduate Sophie Iles said she was enjoying helping others to become more confident in their own abilities and goals.

“You get to share your experiences with the girls which can make them feel at ease, whilst also offering assistance,” she said.

Fellow graduate Caroline Falconer, now studying Speech Pathology at UQ, said she had already seen girls benefit from the collaborative learning environment.

“I’ve loved working so closely with the girls on their learning; it’s really rewarding to see the lightbulb go off for them and to see them the next week having progressed really well,” Caroline said.

“Rather than sitting with the girls for multiple hours, we are on hand to give them prompts and answer questions, which allows the students to take control of their learning.

“We know the assessment quite well, so I think it’s helpful for them to have that advice and insight from someone who has just been through the ATAR process and external exams themselves.”

Fellow Class of 2020 graduates Grace Byers, Warunya Maddekandage, Naomi Nott and Annabel Stone have also been appointed as past scholar tutors. Lucy Taylor and Georgia Ferguson have been employed as Mathematics tutors after excelling in the subject in 2020.

The program will continue throughout the year.

2020 graduates Caroline Falconer (left) and Grace Byers have been employed as Alumnae Tutors.