Volunteer Frequently Asked Questions
- Who can volunteer?
- What volunteer opportunities are available?
- How many programs can I join?
- How do I become a volunteer?
- I submitted an on-time Compass volunteer application, what happens now?
- Which schools are involved?
- What is the time commitment?
- Can I volunteer if I have an internship/practical during the middle of semester?
- What support do Compass volunteers receive?
- How can I find out more?
Who can volunteer?
University of Sydney students, staff members or alumni from all backgrounds are eligible to volunteer. All other individuals are welcome to to find out how to get involved.
What volunteer opportunities are available?
Volunteers can participate in one or more of the following programs:
- Word Up (Primary School)
- Word Up (High School / Intensive English Centre)
- Homework Club (High School)
- Classroom Activity Facilitators
How many programs can I join?
Most Compass volunteers participate in only one of the programs, but volunteers can be involved in more than one. Most volunteers who do so join the Classroom Activity Facilitators program and one of the Word Up or Homework Club programs.
How do I become a volunteer?
On-time Compass volunteer applications closed on Friday 16 March. We are still accepting volunteer applications in case additional places become available. Please click here to read about the volunteer application process.
I submitted an on-time Compass volunteer application, what happens now?
Please click here to read about the volunteer interview process. Unfortunately we cannot guarantee that all applicants will be contacted due to the overwhelming amount of interest in the program.
Which schools are involved?
Schools are located across Sydney and southwest Sydney. Volunteers can drive themselves to schools or take public transport and Compass will reimburse transport costs / mileage to a maximum of $20 per week.
Word Up – Primary School
Bexley Public School
Condell Park Public School
Marrickville West Primary School
Panania Public School
Picnic Point Public School
Revesby South Public School
Wilkins Public School
Word Up volunteers will be placed at one school only.
Word Up – High School / Intensive English Centre
Kogarah High School
Marrickville Intensive English Centre
Westfields Sports High School
Word Up volunteers will be placed at one school only.
Homework Club
Kogarah High School
Kogarah Intensive English Centre
Marrickville High School
Homework Club volunteers will be placed at one school only.
Classroom Activity Facilitators
Athelstane Public School
Bexley Public School
Condell Park Public School
Kogarah Public School
Marrickville West Primary School
Panania Public School
Picnic Point Public School
Revesby South Public School
Wattawa Heights Public School
Wilkins Public School
Yagoona Public School
Classroom Activity Facilitator volunteers can deliver workshops in one or more of these schools during a semester.
What is the time commitment?
The Word Up and Homework Club programs are a weekly commitment over 14 weeks. Click below for further information:
The Classroom Activity Facilitators program is a flexible commitment throughout the semester.
Can I volunteer if I have an internship/practical during the middle of semester?
Word Up and Homework Club volunteers must make a commitment to volunteer each week for the duration of the 14 week program.
If you have an internship or practical placement that would prevent you from making a weekly volunteering commitment for the duration of the program, then unfortunately you are not able to participate in the Word Up or Homework Club programs. We encourage applicants in this situation to apply for the Classroom Activity Facilitators program as this is a more flexible volunteering program.
What support do Compass volunteers receive?
All volunteers receive full training before they begin their volunteer placements. You can find out further information about training in the training section.
Compass staff arrange volunteer placements with schools on behalf of volunteers and provide support during the placement. While in school, volunteers will receive support from a school staff member. Where possible, volunteers will be placed in groups which provides valuable peer support.
Compass volunteers who meet certain requirements are eligible to receive a certificate signed by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education) & Registrar at the end of their placement.
How can I find out more?
Please if you have any further questions.