TAVISTOCK College students are taking on the role of learning detectives in a bid to improve the way they learn in lessons.

The scheme will see Year 9 students evaluating, learning and giving feedback to their peers to help improve their performance in class.

Year 9 tutor Phil Ruse said: 'Students are taking ownership of their learning and the learning culture at the college.

'They will observe students in lessons to see what makes good learning and then give constructive feedback to their peers.'

The scheme is based on a project successfully operating at principal Helen Salmon's former school, St James in Exeter.

Students wrote a letter of application to head of year Sally Hubbard and were interviewed in order to select a group of 12 who could encourage achievement and improve the quality of learning in the college. 

They have already received training which they will pass on to next year's Year 9 students so the project will continue down the college.

Learning Detective Chloe Jones said she was looking forward to getting into classrooms.

'It's definitely going to help the college by making students aware of how they are learning and I think it will be a good experience,' she said.

'I'm pleased the college has introduced the scheme; it's a really good idea and gets students involved.'

Teachers visited St James School to see their Learning Detectives in action, before the Exeter students gave an assembly at Tavistock College to explain the programme to Year 9.

'It's seen as a very big thing there,' explained Mr Ruse.

'It is a real badge of honour to be a Learning Detective.'