Case Study

You have been asked to mentor a learner Bobby, a 15 year old Traveller who has just moved into the area with his family and two others. Bobby appears to lack self-control and discipline in the classroom and has poor literacy and numeracy skills. He has told staff in your setting that he doesn’t want to be in school and his father needs him to help with the family business. The three families have received a less than enthusiastic welcome from the local community who are demanding that the local council evict them.

1. What barriers exist to Bobby’s achievement?
2. What might motivate Bobby to accept support to improve his literacy and numeracy skills?
3. What sources of support might you be able to call on to help you support Bobby?
4. How would you support Bobby to identify his own goals and targets?
5. What factors should you take into consideration when helping Bobby in setting targets?

It is rare that there is just one way to respond to a scenario or situation, so do not consider that the response you have chosen to this scenario will be judged as right or wrong. Share your scenario with a work colleague and ask them to tell you if they think you have responded appropriately. Ask them to challenge your response if necessary. You do not need to submit this task for assessment unless asked to do so by your tutor.