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Peer Group Mentoring
Peer Group Mentoring
The Leighton Park peer mentoring team is a pupil based initiative. It was established by the 6th form in 2007 and has proven to be successful and well co-ordinated student and staff venture.
Training
The peer mentors received their initial training in 2007, however, since then there have been subsequent ‘training’ and ‘discussion’ sessions co-ordinated and run by Karen Gracie-Langrick (Assistant Head of the Sixth Form) and Rebecca Senell ( the school’s counsellor). In addition, two senior school prefects have been appointed to oversee the weekly running and administration of the scheme.
What it offers
The trained Sixth Form peer mentors feel that it gives them a valuable opportunity to interact with the younger years and to gain an understanding of some of the problems that they now face; ranging from pastoral to academic related issues. The scheme and role of peer mentor provides students with a chance to develop their own listening skills and as a compassionate ‘ear’ to enable younger students to share their concerns with our older students.
While those who attend this service are offered no firm advice by those they come to consult, it is anticipated that having shared their problem, they may then feel more able to establish together an appropriate pathway towards resolving the concern.
The peer mentors are well known and respected students and this enables students of any age feel able to come and talk freely and without the worry of being intimidated or shy. It is a reflection of the ethos of Leighton Park that students are willing to be part of such a scheme: dedicating so much of their time to enhance the happiness and well being of their peers and to offer something back to their school community.
When and Where
The peer mentors can be found for consultation at the following times:
Tuesday break time - Townson Careers room near the Caradon Centre Thursday lunchtime - Townson Careers room near the Caradon Centre
Thursday lunchtime - Fryer House.