Mentor Model of Learning

Blackburn High School is committed to establishing a sense of family and belonging   for every student. Each student is a member of a specific House and each House is   divided into Mentor Groups. Mentor Groups are a mix of students from Years 7 to 12,   allowing connections to develop between students and Mentor Teachers. Through   these connections, students new to the school will quickly develop friendships withstudents from all year levels.

Mentor Groups 

• Allow students to relate to others in different age groups
• Assist in developing student social skills
• Facilitate cross-age and peer group learning

Mentor Groups meet each morning (excluding Wednesday) for 15 minutes where students take part in a variety of activities and learning experiences that include:

• Dissemination of important school information through the daily messages
• Setting individual learning goals
• Regular silent reading to enhance literacy and concentration  
• Well-being and help seeking strategies
• Inter-house competitions
• Literacy and numeracy activities
• General knowledge quizzes
• Pathways – guidance for subject selections and careers
• e-Smart – understanding the use of technology in society

The Mentor Teacher is the first point of call for parents and students with any questions or concerns. Students will, in most cases, remain with the same Mentor Teacher for their time at Blackburn High School. This allows the Mentor Teacher to get to know their students well as both a people and as learners, to establish strong links with each student’s family and to provide valuable support to the students in their Group.