During the recent handover assembly, I remember catching myself in awe of the poise, enthusiasm, and thoughtfulness with which both the outgoing and the new teams spoke about their role. It was clear that every single person was there for a reason, and that they all have something to bring to the literal and metaphorical table.
So, I decided to sit down with (or, rather, phone) the individual members to get an insight into their thinking, their visions, and their expectations of the year ahead. It was a truly eye-opening experience, and I’m thrilled to present the outcomes of the discussion with the Senior and Junior Peer Counsellors.
Why do you think peer counselling is important and what have you enjoyed the most about it?
-[Irene] I think that peer counselling is an important part of life at WHS because it allows for interaction between the sixth form and the rest of the senior school, breaking down any apprehension that some of the younger students may have about the mysterious mufti-clad swarm of students. It’s also a good chance for students to have conversations and fun as a form without their form tutors, which also allows for everyone to be a bit more relaxed. Also, peer counsellors are able to answer a wide variety of questions that other year groups have for them – that’s probably one of my favourite things about it. I loved asking my form’s peer counsellors random questions about life in the sixth form, as well as being on the receiving end of these questions.
– [Nooriya] I think peer counselling ensures that students feel supported and comfortable at school. It also gives students a safe space to share things that they might not feel as comfortable sharing with their parents or teachers. I am mainly involved with the junior peer counselling programme and what I have enjoyed most about it is working with the others and hearing their different successes from the previous week’s sessions. And, of course, interacting with the kids from the junior school as they all have so much energy! Due to the nature of the programme – as junior school peer counsellors stick with the same class throughout – the rapport that develops between the students and the peer counsellors makes the sessions even more wonderful.
What kinds of things would you guys like to focus on over the year?
–We want to continue running the programs and review them at the end of the school year to make any necessary changes. Also, working with the rest of the SLT to re-launch Happiness Festival, and, as the House Captains mentioned, further encourage inter-year bonding through initiatives like House Forms.
-All the above, plus generally reforming the peer counselling program to enable it to achieve its aims in supporting different year groups. Also, working with the pastoral team on PSHE for next year to push the importance of issues like mental health, stress, and toxic friendships, whilst continuously getting feedback and adapting.
What has been your favourite school year?
-Honestly, Year 7 was probably my favourite year because it was the least dramatic. Year 10 was a close second because I could do my lessons from bed, whilst eating a bowl of ice cream, whilst also watching Netflix… if any of my GCSE teachers are reading this, it wasn’t in your lesson I promise!
–My favourite school year has to be Year 4. I went to a small school in California, and what I loved was that it was the last year that I still had class parties, arts and crafts projects in class, and fun science experiments (like playing with magnetic filings, investigating the properties of dry ice).
