Year 10 pupils qualify as peer mentors

Last week, the first cohort of Year 10 pupils undertook their ASDAN short course to qualify as Peer Mentors.

Pupils attended two full day training sessions in school with an external trainer where they were given an introduction to mentoring and 'buddying' younger ones. 

Peer mentoring can support children and young people by:

Enhancing social competence, 
Building security within the setting and wider community by realising their worth as social beings, 
Improving attendance and educational attainment whilst 
Developing friendship skills in a positive environment. 

Each learner participated in a number of activities across five challenges to gain a 10 hours accredited ASDAN certificate.  They also bagged themselves a £25 'Love 2 Shop' voucher!

Ms Smith, Lead Practitioner for Personal Development, said, "It is great to see that we have kind pupils who want to give up their own time to support younger pupils in school. In the New Year, we will have a Peer Mentor Station where pupils will be able to see a Peer Mentor to ask for advice or support."

Year 10 Umar said, "During the sessions we developed our communications and team working skills.  We chatted about scenarios that could happen and how we would deal with them. I am looking forward to helping pupils in their difficult times or whatever they need help with.  I would recommend this course to any other pupils in my year group, as it has given me motivation and confidence. Thank you to Mei from We Are With You for teaching us."

ASDAN offers nationally recognised qualifications based around the development of personal, social and employability skills, making the course the perfect addition to a pupil's college application or CV.

The next cohort will begin their training in January.  Pupils wishing to join further courses should see Ms Smith, or contact her via Teams Chat. 

Well done to Year 10 pupils: Christopher C, Emily P, Umar H, Jake L, Oliver E.