My name is Ian Harvey, I have been the Defence Transition Mentor at the college since 23 July 2018. I was previously the college Careers Adviser for many years. When I took on the new role I was not sure about how I would approach it, I should not have worried because the Defence boys are delightful.
There is obviously a formal list of duties for my position but I have three main aims:
- To ensure that new Defence students are integrated as quickly as possible into the life of St Edmund’s
- To remind Defence students that I am here for them and their families
- To monitor the academic and social progress of the Defence boys
I make it a priority to interview all new Defence boys as soon as is practical so that I have an understanding of their expectations and concerns and so they know who I am and what I can do for them. I have shown all the new Defence students where my office is and told them that they are welcome to visit me at any time.
My experience is that most Defence children are fairly resilient because they have had more practice than most young people in being so. Of course, it is sometimes more difficult if a boy moves from a small school into a place as large and imposing as St Edmund’s or if he has moved from a different education system.
I make it my business to monitor the academic and social performance of all Defence students. I will discuss their semester reports (looking at both academic and effort grades) and suggest how their performances can be improved. I work closely with Heads of House, Diverse Learning staff, Junior School teachers and tutors so that any minor issues stay minor and get resolved as quickly as possible.
It is also very important that I am a contact for Defence parents (as my wife and I once were) who are concerned that their son (or sons) is getting the best possible care from all of us at St Edmund’s. I will try to maintain email contact but am available to chat, meet, discuss and/or accept complaints at any time.
Ian Harvey (Defence Transition Mentor)