Volunteering for WP
Widening Participation Mentors
The role of Widening Participation Mentor is to assist staff in the WP team to deliver different sessions and activities. We have a wide variety of opportunities to suit every student. The role will require you to work with and inspire local school children aged 9-16.
Why do we need you?
We believe it's important for young people to be well informed about the
opportunities they have and the choices they will need to make at 16
and 18. Pupils from local schools visit us on a regular basis and we talk to them about key life choices and their education journey.
Our events could not go ahead without the support of current students, both undergraduate and postgraduate. We
need you to provide a real-life perspective on the information we present; you can expect to be asked lots of questions about student life and why you chose your subject.
It's easy to get involved, from a couple of hours a week right up to a three day residential (paid!) there really is an opportunity to suit everyone.
For more details or to apply please see below.
One Day Workshops
We have a variety of different workshops that you can get involved with.
General one day workshops - working with a variety of groups throughout the year.
Dave Smith and the Great University Mystery - our primary school programme. We visit local Year 5 and 6 students to introduce them to the language of University.
Oxford Young Ambassadors - a series of one day workshops and homework clubs running throughout term time.
Young Carers Programme - a series of one day workshops running throughout the school terms.
These workshops range from a couple of hours up to a whole day. Travel expenses and lunch are usually covered.
Residential Events
Our residentials are:
Murder in the Cloisters - a three day residential with our Oxford Young Ambassadors.
Year 11 Revision and Bushcraft - a chance for year 11 students to spend some time focussing on their exams and then have some downtime out in the woods.
We also run other residential events throughout the year.
How to Apply
To get more information or to apply for a WP Mentor position, please complete the online application form located on the right hand side of the page.
After we've reviewed your application we will get in contact with you and arrange for you to fill in a DBS form.
We'll also get you set up on an online Child Protection course, and arrange some mentor training. The latter takes about 30 minutes and covers operational safeguarding information, details about the programmes and how you can help the students to engage.
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Checks - What to Expect
DBS checks are compulsory for anyone working with children or vulnerable adults. They are free for volunteers, take about two weeks to process, and you will receive a certificate in the mail upon completion. If you already have a valid DBS certificate you may not need to fill out a new form. Please contact Melissa directly to discuss this.
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