Year 10 pupils begin peer mentor course

On Thursday, our first cohort of Year 10 pupils began their first of two workshops to qualify as Peer Mentors.

To become a Peer Mentor, pupils must attend two full day training sessions in school with external trainer, Mr Tahir Mahmood, where they are 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 will complete a number of activities across five challenges to gain a 10 hours accredited ASDAN qualification. They will also bag themselves a £25 gift voucher as a reward.

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. We will have a Peer Mentor Station where pupils will be able to see a Peer Mentor to ask for advice or support.  This has worked really well this year when our Year 11 Peer Mentors set up a base in the Hex and were there for our new Year 7 pupils as they were finding their feet and had questions about our procedures. "

During the sessions pupils will develop their communications and team working skills.  They will discuss scenarios that they could come across and how they would deal with them.  This course will also boost their motivation and confidence. 

ASDAN is an awarding body that 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 second and final session will take place in January.  Pupils wishing to join further courses should see Ms Smith, or contact her via Teams Chat. 

Well done to Year 10 pupils: Junaid Q, Wictoria C-C, Freya Y, Jessica D, Kayalnila A, Harry B, Jacob P, Kasper Z, Lucy J and Rehan H.

*Photo taken on Christmas Jumper Day