School of Computing, Faculty of Engineering School of Computing Faculty of Engineering

After School Computing Club: Information for Volunteers

Mentoring, STEM Ambassador and Access and Comunity Engagement

As part of the School of Computing Mentoring programme, you are requested to join the STEMNET's Ambassadors programme. Each Ambassador is registered, trained and CRB checked. NB. In order to work in schools, ALL volunteers MUST have a Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check.

Volunteering as a STEM Ambassador in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics is your chance to promote your skills to young learners, actively encourage them to enjoy STEM subjects, and inform them about the unique career opportunities that are available to them. By volunteering as an Ambassador, you could be opening up life-changing opportunities for many young people in your area.

The Process

  1. Registering as a STEM Ambassador
  2. Registering with the Access and Comunity Engagement
  3. Contacting a school to arrange mentoring
  1. Registering as a STEM Ambassador
    To register you must complete the online application. Register online at www.stemnet.org.uk (Click 'Volunteer here' from the top 'Ambassador' panel and then 'Join Online' from the menu) please select West Yorkshire as your preferred administering region. Once you have completed the online application form, you'll then automatically be sent details of how to apply for a CRB check. If you already have one, you won't have to complete another.
    Outcome:
    • Become a STEM Ambassador representing the School of Computing, University of Leeds
    • CRB check
    NB: For your CRB you will require
    • 2 proofs of your current permanent address
    • Your NI number
    • A list of every address that you have lived at over the past 5 years. You do not need proof of this but you do need to provide each address in full
  2. Registering with the Access and Comunity Engagement
    Once you have been approved as an Ambassador (this relies on the completion of the online application form and the submission of a current CRB number to STEM), you will submit your acceptance to the Access and Community Engagement (in the City and Regional Office Building, 175 Woodhouse Lane, LS2 9JT).
    Outcome:
    • Receive a list of schools to contact
    • Receive a list of course you can attend related to mentoring at schools
  3. Contacting the school to arrange mentoring
    A&CE will provide you with a list of schools to contact and arrange mentoring at an After School Club. Once this has been arranged, you will inform the Ambassador programme that you are now associated with a school.
    Outcome:
    • Arrange dates and times that you can attend sessions

Skills Developed

Interpersonal CommunicationPlanning and OrganisationAdaptability and Flexibility
  • Examples at a range of levels: peer to peer with the other mentors, with ICT teachers and their schools, with pupils and with the project manager
  • Conducting presentations in sessions
  • Providing feedback about individual sessions and the activity as a whole
  • Being watchful and friendly
  • Preparation prior to individual sessions
  • Managing this activity whilst studying, etc. by prioritising and juggling commitments
  • Keeping appointments
  • Seeing things through to the end
  • Attention to detail
  • Volunteering for this additional activity whilst studying
  • Adapting the role of 'expert' when communicating with pupils and/or teachers
  • Assisting in different ways at different schools
Problem SolvingInitiativeTeam Working
  • Finding creative solutions to problems
  • Adapting help and information to the needs of individuals
  • Predicting where individuals might struggle
  • Eagerness for new challenges and experience
  • University ambassador role thereby showing evidence of professionalism and integrity
  • Motivation and enthusiasm to take part
  • Negotiating how best to manage the sessions with teachers and peers
  • Contribution to the further development of the project
LeadershipComputing LiteracyOther
  • Planning and leading sessions with pupils
  • Self selection as a competent programmer
  • Further evidence or proficiency in use of specific software/ hardware
  • CRB-check successfully completed
  • Teaching experience in schools

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