our latest post-16 alumni mentor: tces east London school

On Monday 20th November, one of our students at East London School, Mario, successfully completed his interview for TCES Central Services. Mario is a sixth-form student, who started his journey with TCES at the age of 15 as a year 10 pupil. The one thing Mario truly enjoys doing is playing table tennis. He has a keen interest, is passionate and enthusiastic about his sport. Mario attends a table tennis club five days a week, and he is eager to continue to progress into the adult club later this year. Mario's path to becoming a peer mentor for young people was never easy, but he continues to thrive and persevere as a table tennis player.

Mario would like other young people to have the opportunity to engage in table tennis and be a part of this amazing sport. He has found that being a part of the team has helped him to develop his social skills and resilience.

Mario was appointed by our Head of Post-16 and Careers, Elizabeth Lickiss, and Interim Executive Headteacher to begin the interview process with Tim Feltham, our People Operations Manager. There was positive feedback from both interviewees, Elizabeth Lickiss and Tim Feltham. 

“Mario was very clear about why he wanted to be a mentor and answered difficult safeguarding questions like a pro." - Elizabeth Lickiss, Head of Post-16 and Careers. 

Head of Post-16 and Careers, Elizabeth Lickiss, Mario's mother and Mario

”In addition, Mario shared some of his views and said, “I know what it's like to find some things difficult, and I want to help and support others to become more confident”. He added: “I want other learners to think that they can be a leader too”.  We were fortunate to have Mario's mother with us for moral support and to drive Mario forward with his passion. 

"Mario held himself really well throughout the interview, considering his answers before responding. He discussed how he would use his own experiences to support mentor pupils, as well as understanding the need to find something to engage with pupils. He is clear about his responsibilities in the role of Alumni Mentor Volunteer, especially as a role model for others." - Tim Feltham, People and Operations Manager. 

Mario has also been entered for the sports leadership qualification through the LIFE programme at TCES East London School. This qualification will help Mario develop his coaching skills and enable him to gain experience. By delivering table tennis sessions with his peers and younger students so that he can achieve his future ambitions of becoming a table tennis coach.

We are delighted to extend our congratulations and introduce the latest addition to our team of Alumni Peer Mentors at TCES East London School.