Scotch College

(from left) Michele Linossier, Mr and Mrs Lei, Victor Lei and Principal Dr Gordon Donaldson

Ms Liana Tan and William Vigors

William Vigors and Victor Lei recently presented their final products as part of the University of Melbourne mentoring program. These Year 10 students were selected from a strong field of Scotch boys to take part in this elite program, which matches highly-able students with mentors from the University.

Over a five-month period William and Victor met weekly at the Melbourne University with their mentor and entered into an amazing learning experience. After completion of initial reading and discussion of possible topics and tasks, they set out on an incredible learning journey.

The mentor concept works on the principles of a shared area of interest, appropriate selection and matching of mentor and student, above level ability, research skills and personal commitment.

There is no blueprint to work to – each project is individual, challenging and in the student’s control. Victor, under the guidance of his mentor Mr Matthew Saba, wrote a 60-page booklet for students aimed at demystifying the stock market.

There are moves now to have this book published. William, who was working with Ms Liana Tan in the area of Chinese Mandarin, decided to develop his cultural understanding of an aspect of life in China – the one-child policy – in addition to further enhancing his knowledge of Chinese language and characters. William presented a significant part of his project in fluent Mandarin and Victor’s text was most impressive.

Michele Linossier