Peer mentors prove perfect role models

At Priory we realise that our older pupils are excellent role models for younger pupils and so we have a very successful peer mentoring programme in place. 
 
Every form has at least one fully qualified peer mentor who will help other pupils cope with everyday life and worries at school and will offer guidance on both social and academic areas of school life.
 
The pupils had to apply to become mentors and have now found their feet in their important roles in Year 10.  They act as reading mentors to younger students, they are a point of contact within their tutor groups for Year 7 pupils and they work alongside the prefects to represent the school at events such as open evenings.
 
All Year 10s are invited to apply at the beginning of the Autumn term ready to take on the role. Pupils complete an application form and must include a teacher reference. They are provided with a full job description to learn about the role and what is expected of them. 
 
Mrs Holland, who leads the peer mentor programme at Priory, said: “In return, it counts towards the voluntary work part of their Duke of Edinburgh, it’s used on application forms to become a prefect in Year 11 and it’s part of their PiXL Award, to build up credits.”
 
Summer, one of the Year 10 Peer Mentors, said: “It was a tough application form as you had to fill in a sheet of your qualities and why you want to do it.  I know how it feels to be a Year 7 pupil, new into school, so I wanted to be there to help the younger pupils settle in. It can be scary and I wanted to make sure it isn’t too daunting for them.  We do things like make sure they understand their homework and help to guide them in the right direction.”

Fellow Year 10 Peer Mentor Asher added: "I just want to help others and give something back."

Thirty-five Year 10 pupils who applied were successful in being awarded this role.