Trinity High School Buddy Scheme
WHO WAS INVOLVED IN THIS PRACTICE?
The Buddy Scheme is an initiative for S6 pupils to support P.7/S.1 pupils during the transition from Primary to Secondary.
Those involved included approximately 50 x S.6 students, 230 x S.1 pupils, 4 Teacher Trainers, coordinated by a member of SMT
M Canning DHT
C Gonet R.E. Teacher
H Foy R.E. Teacher
K Parker Biology Teacher
Parents are notified of the Buddy Initiative at P.7 at Parents Evenings.
WHAT WERE WE SEEKING TO ACHIEVE?
The scheme was initially set up by a small group of S.6 students who were keen to support a group of S.1 pupils who were experiencing difficulties with settling into Secondary. These pupils tended to be vulnerable, social isolates who generally experienced difficulties in adapting to a larger school community.
HOW WAS THE WORK DEVELOPED AND IMPLEMENTED?
It was clear from the outset that the Senior Students would require some training on how to deal with potential difficulties that might arise from dealing with such pupils. The focus of the training was on the socialisation process and giving clear guidelines on the perimeters that the S.6 students would operate within.
Initially the “Senior Buddies” operated a lunch-time club for the pupils. They organised themselves into a rota, made a bid to the Headteacher for funds to buy board games and the Buddy Club was born. The success was instant with pupils happy to attend at lunch-time and forging new friendships with the Senior Buddies. It was clear from reviewing the lunch-club that pupils felt more confident with an increase in their own self-esteem.
From the small beginnings of this initiative, it soon became clear that there was a huge potential for using S.6 as role models as part of the school’s policy on Promoting Positive Relationships.
It was agreed that a Residential Training Programme be put in place. This involved volunteer S.6 taking part in a 2 day residential training course in Crieff. – “The Bunkhouse” not “The Hydro”! During that time we focused on team building exercises and advising the Senior Buddies on their responsibilities of setting an example. The training also looked at the issue of Bullying in the school and students were given advice on counselling skills, body language and active listening. As well as improving their level of awareness on these issues, emphasis was again on Socialisation Skills and Responsibilities within very strict guidelines.
REFLECTION ON SUCCESSES AND CHALLENGES:
The introduction of the Buddy System has been beneficial to Trinity High in the following ways:
Greater confidence in S.1 pupils remaining in yard where there is an S.6 presence.
Vulnerable pupils talk of raised self-esteem through having contact with S.6.
Pupils who are experiencing difficulties can make use of lunch-time clubs, alleviating anxieties for pupils and parents.
S.6 accepting the challenge of having real responsibility and taking their jobs seriously.
S.6 corporate identity as a year group has been strengthened.
Staff comment on how well S.6 have responded to training and additional responsibilities.
The residential training scheme gives senior students the opportunity to explore how they can support the ethos of the school.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR OTHER PRACTITIONERS:
The training has to be relevant and challenging. Residential stay helps build year group identity.
The school has to offer students the opportunity to take on real responsibility.
Give all Buddies a badge and a certificate – it means a lot to them!
WHERE THE WORK TOOK PLACE AND MORE ABOUT YOU:
“The Buddy Club” takes place in Trinity High School (Glebe Street, Renfrew, PA4 8TP) which is part of Renfrewshire Authority.
For more information contact Michael Canning, D.H.T. on 0141 886 6121 or michael.canning@renfrewshire.gov.uk
