This consists of selected groups of Lower 6th students working with each Year 8 class once per week in a classroom situation.  This is to help Year 8 students in the transition year to settle into the College and have the support of older students.  They explore issues like smoking, friendship, bullying etc. through drama, music, poetry, discussion etc.  It is of great benefit to Year 13 students in developing self-confidence and self-esteem.  Year 13 students are helped to recognise their own talents and abilities and to use these for the benefit of Year 8 students.  Training is given to Year 13 students to provide them with skills in listening and communication, team building, lesson planning and classroom management.  Teacher co-ordinators meet with each Year 13 group to monitor and evaluate their work. 

At the end of the year, there is a presentation night to award certificates to Year 13 students for their contribution to the College.  They prepare Year 8 students with song, drama, etc. to explore one of the themes studied during the year and parents, teachers and guests are invited.  The bonds made in Year 8 and Year 13 often continue into the next year but without the formal classroom setting.  

What is the Student Mentor Programme?

The Student Mentor Programme is about Year 13 students discovering their talents and gifts and sharing them with the Year 8 students. It is about working together to help Year 8 students discover their own strengths.

As the Programme develops Student Mentors will

·          recognise their own gifts and talents

·          learn useful skills, e.g. communication, teamwork

·          classroom management, planning, social, etc.

·          have the opportunity to develop these skills have a support system

·          make a valuable contribution to the life of the school

How does the Student Mentor Programme work?

Year 13 students are assigned in groups of 4 to a particular Year 8 class. For the duration of the Programme they will meet with that class once a week to explore various themes, e.g. smoking, drinking, drugs, bullying, prejudice, friendship, school, the environment, talents, relationships etc. It is envisaged that music, art, drama, poetry, story, etc. would be used as means for exploring the chosen theme.

What support is given?

Training days will be organised for new Student Mentors before their first classroom visit. For the duration of the Programme Student Mentors will meet once each week with one of the Programme's Coordinators to prepare for the next class and examine how this might effectively be presented. This is also an opportunity to evaluate the previous lessons and discuss any problems the Student Mentors might have encountered.

How are Student Mentors selected?

·          Candidates must be free from classroom/curriculum commitment at the required times

·          They must be prepared to commit themselves to the programme for three classes per week. At least one of these may be deducted from study periods.

·          They must apply in writing to the Student Mentor Programme Committee. Application forms will be supplied.

·          They must have written parental permission.

·          Candidates may then be called to interview.

What are the benefits of the Student Mentor Programme?

It is envisaged that the Student Mentor Programme would be of benefit primarily to the Year 13 students who take part in it and that in the exercise of this considerable responsibility they would grow in confidence and self esteem. The Programme enables Year 13 students to recognise their own talents and provides them with the opportunity to develop and use these for the benefit of Year 8 students. It provides them with valuable experience in lesson planning and classroom management. They will learn how to work with others as part of a team and will develop a variety of essential communication and social skills. These skills will be of immense value in interview and public-speaking situations. In addition, participation in the Student Mentor Programme will be an impressive contribution to a student's curriculum vitae.

In selecting Student Mentors the selection committee will apply the following criteria:

·          Who would be good for the Student Mentor Programme? (Taking into consideration personal qualities such as commitment, ability to work as part of a team, talents, social and communication skills, good role-model for Year 8 students, etc.)

·          Who would benefit from the Student Mentor Programme?

Download the Student Mentor Application Form by clicking here.