The Smith Family Learning Club is a partnership between The University of Melbourne, The Smith Family and Hume Central Secondary College. It aims to support students in Years 7 to 9 to improve their learning skills, build confidence and expand their aspirations through one-on-one tutoring.
The Smith Family is a children's charity helping disadvantaged Australian children to get the most out of their education.
This voluntary role offers the opportunity for YOU to use and enhance your tutoring, mentoring, relationship and employability skills, alongside other passionate UoM students.
As a participant in this program, you will receive:
- Special training from The Smith Family to prepare you to be a volunteer tutor (online training in April 2021)
- The opportunity to develop great skills for your future employability
- Participation in the Learning Club can contribute towards the Leaders in Community Award (LICA), enabling recognition of your volunteering efforts on your academic transcript.
Program Details
The Learning Club will run at Hume Central Secondary College (according to COVID-safe government guidelines). You will be placed at one of two campuses:
Tuesday - Blair Street Campus (62-70 Blair St, Broadmeadows, VIC 3047) 2:45pm – 4:45pmon:
- 27 April
- 4, 11, 18 & 25 May
- 20 & 27 July
- 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31 August
- 7 & 14 September
- 5, 12 & 19 October
Thursday - Dimboola Road Campus (49 Dimboola Road, Broadmeadows, VIC 3047) 2:45pm – 4.45pm on:
- 29 April
- 6, 13, 20 & 27 May
- 22 & 29 July
- 5, 12, 19 & 26 September
- 2, 9 & 16 September
- 7, 14 & 21 October
Please note, tutors choose either Tuesday or Thursday (not both days) and dates may be subject to change. It is important that students must be able to commit to the dates provided above.
Successful applicants must meet the competencies and skills described in the POSITION DESCRIPTION while supporting The Smith Family’s vision, belief, mission and core values.
Testimonials from previous University of Melbourne volunteer tutors at The Smith Family Broadmeadows Learning Club:
“I would recommend being a Learning Club tutor first and foremost because it allows you to develop yourself outside of university study and grades. Not everything about growth at university is about grades, and volunteering with such a well-known organisation as The Smith Family is a rare opportunity. The opportunity to help with The Smith Family will look good for future job prospects but also volunteering is rewarding. You are given a chance to positively impact a student’s life and experiences like that are well worth your time”
“I was hesitant, I wasn’t sure if I’d have the time, wasn’t sure if I’d be welcomed. Wowzas was I wrong – being a tutor with The Smith Family has been incredibly rewarding, welcoming, and fun and genuinely became a highlight of each week. I felt comfortable from the first day onwards – and from there you’ll immediately see just how much of an impact you’ll be making on the lives of these kids. I cannot recommend it enough”
“To me personally, it was my way of giving back. I was a scholarship recipient throughout both high school and university – I felt that someone helped me learn and become more knowledgeable so I should do the same. More of a ripple effect. The Smith Family was the best way for me to go about it and when I heard some of the back stories – the kids I tutored truly deserved the help. It provided me with a sense of purpose.”
“I would recommend being a tutor to other students mainly for the opportunity of being able to reach out to some amazing, gifted students and having the chance to make even a small impact on their lives. One of the things I really took from the program was how these kids inspired me, especially when you get a feel for their love of learning and their appreciation for the program as well; it was very humbling ad memorable. I think there is much more to this role than what you expect and you can be pleasantly surprised about what you can learn from the students themselves! All in all it’s a really fun and interactive experience with an amazing team of volunteers. I looked forward to it every week and can’t wait to join again!”
APPLY NOW to become a Learning Club tutor! Applications CLOSE 9am Monday 1st of March 2021
COVID-SAFE INFORMATION:
As your health and wellbeing is a priority, The Smith Family Learning club will minimize the risks associated with the COVID-19 virus, and that you feel safe and comfortable when volunteering. The Learning Clubs will run as per the latest COVID-safe government guidelines, which may include but it is not limited to: 1.5 m physical distancing, appropriate hygiene protocols and a shift to online program delivery if required.