The tutoring program is the brainchild of fourth year medical student Megan Lawson Jakob. The program, which began this week, will involve third and fourth year medical students from the University of Sydney School of Rural Health helping Year 9 and 10 students.

Ms Lawson Jakob said she was aware the medical students had been doing some private tutoring, but she was determined to organise a free program for a local school. The medical students are well-qualified in a variety of fields, she said.

“I just thought it was a cool idea to provide a free service and this was enthusiastically supported by the Dubbo Medical Students’ Society, with Delroy Campus also very quick to take up the offer,” Ms Lawson Jakob said.

“The aim is to provide tutoring each Tuesday afternoon in all subjects, but the Delory students have indicated they need the most help with maths and science.

“As well as providing help with homework, assignments and assessment tasks, the tutoring program will provide students with a bit of an idea about life in higher education.”

Hopefully the partnership would inspire some students to pursue further education at the end of their schooling, Ms Lawson Jakob said.

She said there were also benefits for the medical students because it would help to build a team environment among the third and fourth years.

Delroy Campus head teacher Peter Maher said there were already two classes on board with the program.

“Megan Lawson Jakob approached our school with the idea of the tutoring and mentoring program and our staff decided quickly to take up the offer,” Mr Maher said.

Dubbo College Delroy Campus principal Debbie Head said she was very grateful to the University of Sydney medical students for offering their skills.

“I am thrilled the medical students would give up their time and offer their expertise to assist students at Delroy to be their very best academically,” she said.

“It is such an amazing opportunity.”