When the most successful people in the world talk about their accomplishments, they never fail to thank their mentors and emphasise how important a role they played in their success by being role models and assisting and supporting them in their journeys towards self-actualisation. Dedicated mentors are thought to be one of the main factors that influence success.

We want our students to be the leaders of tomorrow. That is why we have enabled them to select a personal mentor, a teacher who is always there to help them with whatever they need.

Each academic year at International School, upon a consultation with our school counselor and psychologist, students select their mentor whose responsibilities include keeping track of the student’s work, learning, progression and extracurricular activities. A mentor serves as someone students can rely on in an academic setting and the trusting relationship that develops between the two helps both grow as individuals.

What is mentoring?

Mentoring is a special kind of relationship in which an older and wiser person helps a younger student by assisting, supporting, encouraging and advising them.

A mentor plays an important role in both the school life and the lives of their students. The key dimensions of mentoring include confidential talks, counseling, career guidance, motivation and inspiration, problem solving, support etc.

A mentor’s key responsibilities include:

• finding appropriate methods to overcome various kinds of challenges students may face,
• providing learning support for students,
• establishing a healthy climate for good student-parent-teacher relations,
• recognising the interests, talents and inclinations of students and guiding them towards pursuing them at university.

Why is a mentor so important in the life of a student?

Our teachers believe that it is a great honour to be selected to mentor a student and they are proud that students have recognised their hard work, dedication, and responsible and professional conduct.

A mentor serves as an inspiration and role model who analyses and evaluates student performance, advises them, provides feedback and encourages their ideas and aspirations. Mentors also support students in learning and fitting in into their new academic environment.

A mentor remains objective in their advice, guidance and feedback, which is always honest and constructive. They are there to create a safe and understanding atmosphere for a student to freely speak about anything that is on their mind.

A mentor is also responsible for recognising the talents and interests of students and to guide them accordingly by advising them on the best possible way to pursue their inclinations at university. In helping younger generations learn about and create a sense of the world around them, mentors impart their own skills and experiences onto their students.

Mentoring, however, is a two-way street. It not only guarantees the personal development of the student but of the teacher as well. The entire process is in essence a highly professional, encouraging and inspiring endeavour.

The benefits of mentoring for International School’s students:

• direct communication with a person they trust who can help them overcome the challenges they may be facing,
• better insight into their own abilities and potential,
• the development of a positive attitude towards academic obligations,
• a sense of belonging and of being a part of the school community,
• the development of effective learning skills,
• improvement in terms of academic performance,
• personal and professional growth,
• confidence building.

The benefits of mentoring for parents:

• assistance in overcoming possible issues arising in the parent-child domain,
• the availability of information on the possibilities of further development,
• a better understanding of their child’s behaviour at school,
• the improvement of their parenting skills.