Fionnuala McCambridge (pictured left), an English teacher in St. Paul’s High School, Bessbrook, has launched a pilot project in peer tutoring meant to address the challenges which sixth-form students face in writing longer analytical essays for both coursework and exams. She has done so with the help of Matthew Martin (pictured right), Senior Lecturer in English at St Mary’s University College, who has provided training for a select group of St Paul’s upper sixth students interested in becoming peer tutors working specifically with lower-sixth students pursuing A-Levels in Religion.

‘We have found in St Paul’s that essay writing is undergoing changes as a result of the multi-media environment students live in,’ said Fionnuala. ‘Good analytical essay writing requires close attention to the written word and to the significance of careful argumentation – neither of which are salient features in social media.’

Matthew commented, ‘I am delighted that St Paul’s has called upon St Mary’s and our long-established expertise in working with young, developing writers. The students here who have chosen to become peer tutors have proved themselves throughout the training to be exceptionally dedicated and insightful students. They will do a great deal to help others achieve their best.’

Fionnuala McCambridge (l) of St Paul’s High School and Matthew Martin (r) of St Mary’s University College pictured alongside some of the students who have chosen to become peer tutors in writing.