SCA offers a wide variety of student-led educational projects. They’re a great way to make a visible difference and witness real development, and meet a range of new people.
English Corner
We offer a place for international university students to meet up with fluent English-speaking volunteers to make friends, have fun, and learn about one another’s cultures, whilst at the same time improving their confidence in English communication. There will be fun activities planned, such as film nights and themed socials, so come along either to help or to learn!
Where? Riverside Café or Elvet Riverside
When? Tuesdays, 7 pm
Contact Daphne and David at englishcorner.sca@durham.ac.uk
Green Schools
This is the ideal place for people who are passionate about the environment and education! Green Schools is an opportunity to visit a local primary school to teach and inspire pupils about the environment by helping regularly with an environment club or as a classroom assistant. There are also opportunities to do one-off lessons, assemblies or special events.
Where? Edmondsley Primary School
When? Flexible times, either during or after school hours.
Contact Gwynneth at greenschools.sca@durham.ac.uk
Maths Club
Good with numbers? Help primary school children with their maths in a relaxed and fun environment at maths club. This project runs clubs during lunch times or after school in local primary schools. Volunteers go in groups to run the clubs, using puzzles and games to get the children enjoying working with numbers. Who knows? You could inspire the next Einstein!
Where? Local primary schools
When? A couple of hours a week – flexible
Contact Melanie at mathsclub.sca@durham.ac.uk
Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) Club
Volunteers plan and deliver weekly lessons in French, German and Spanish. It’s a great opportunity to get some experience in teaching, inspire a love of languages in younger pupils, and even practise your basic language skills! We currently have clubs in local primary and secondary schools, and are looking to expand into more languages, such as Mandarin and Arabic.
Where? Local schools
When? Various weekdays (flexible)
Contact us at mflprimary.sca@durham.ac.uk or mflsecondary.sca@durham.ac.uk
Pupils from local schools are paired with appropriate university students to help with their academic development. This is a brilliant opportunity to improve grades, increase confidence and raise the aspirations of secondary school pupils in the local community. It’s intensely rewarding to contribute to students’ development, and once matched with a pupil, you will be able to tailor your weekly sessions to the student’s individual needs and to your own schedule.
Where? University buildings
When? 7-8 pm, Monday to Thursday
Contact Jenny at tutoring.sca@durham.ac.uk
Primary Schools
Volunteers act as teaching assistants with a year group of their choice, taking on a range of responsibilities and gaining valuable classroom experience. It’s great fun, hugely rewarding, and especially valuable for those looking to develop a career in education.
Where? Schools in and around Durham
When? A weekly basis; flexible times
Contact Jenni at primaryschools.sca@durham.ac.uk
Reading Club
Volunteers help primary school children to develop their literacy skills, either individually or in small groups. Additional activities include drama, drawing and artwork, and discussion. This project is a great opportunity to have fun; not only is it a rewarding experience, but it also enables you as a volunteer to further your interpersonal and communication skills.
Where? Local primary schools
When? One-hour weekly sessions
Contact Jemma at readingclub.sca@durham.ac.uk
Sixth Form College
University students are invited to help tutor sixth form students at Durham Gilesgate Sixth Form College, located behind Freeman’s Quay. As a volunteer, you’d be able to offer significant help to small groups of students at a critical point in their education. By helping them with personal statements for UCAS, as well as offering support in your chosen subject, you can provide local students with the opportunity to progress academically and develop more widely.
Where? Durham Gilesgate Sixth Form College
When? Flexible
Contact Rosie at sixthform.sca@durham.ac.uk
Trinity School
Trinity is a special needs school for children based in Aykley Heads, near the University Hospital. Volunteers work with staff on a regular basis offering support in the classroom for a morning or afternoon each week. Classroom-based activities include reading and music, and volunteers might also get involved with specific one-off events at the school.
Where? Trinity School, Durham
When? One morning or afternoon per week – flexible
Contact Chloe and Jenny at trinity.sca@durham.ac.uk
