Peer Support in Action
Student Initiatives Support for Year 7s
Fifteen-year-old Katy Lamb decided positive action was needed at her large comprehensive, to give younger pupils more confidence. So she set up a ‘Student Link’ to support the transition of year 7s from separate tutor groups into their new houses in the senior school.
Her proposal to Warden Park School, in West Sussex, drew on her experience on Haywards Heath Youth Council, at the annual Young People and Conflict conference run by LEAP in London, and two weekend workshops with the Alternatives to Violence Project in Hove. She recruited thirty-four year 9 students who volunteered to stay after school and learn listening and befriending skills. These were presented by Katy, with the backup of independent trainer Jan Shimmin. During the summer term pairs of Link Students presented similar exercises and games to groups of about twenty year 7 students.
This was a chance for older students to meet year 7s and start them thinking about what they need in order to feel safe and how to get these needs met. "I hope that year 7s will feel more confident amongst the older students knowing at least a couple of people they can go to," says Katy.
Katy and Jan compiled a handbook for the Link Students, drawing on the interactive work done with the year 9 volunteers. It sets out what Link Students want to achieve with their project, the qualities they hope to bring to their work and difficulties they anticipate.
I shall be at VIth form college next year, but I’ll continue to be involved with the Student Link," says Katy, "Several year 9 students have come forward to run it."
Deputy Head Martin Hooper has supported Katy throughout, but given her a free hand to work with the year 9 students. He has obtained community funding for an expanded Student Link next year. Feedback from this year’s Link Students, and their input on training days, will influence how the scheme evolves.
Further information from Katy Lamb, 14 The Droveway, Lucastes Lane, Haywards Heath, Sussex - 01444 455355, or Jan Shimmin, 5 South View, Ditchling, Hassocks, Sussex, BN6 8TQ - 01273 845364.
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