Earlier this term, Year 12 pupils had the opportunity to put themselves forward to become trained members of our Peer Support Group, offering peer-to-peer support to pupils of all ages at the College. The Peer Support Group forms an important and additional service to the school’s already comprehensive pastoral system and requires memebrs to be on hand to provide support to any pupil who feels they need it.
Senior Housemaster Mr Tom Armstrong, who oversees the group, stated: “Year 12 pupils were invited to express interest in joining the group and it quickly became clear that we have many supportive and caring students in our sixth form, as we had far more applicants than we could accommodate.”
Before the half term break, the selected pupils had a day of professional training given by Ms Debbie Lee, a UKCP psychotherapist who has been a counsellor in schools for over 25 years, currently working at King Alfred’s Academy in Wantage. It was a fantastic session and all pupils commented on how much they had taken from the training.
Mr Armstrong notes that “most young people seek out other young people when they are experiencing problems. Members of the peer support group will regularly visit Houses to chat with pupils of all ages and be available to listen, help and give advice to any peer who approaches them. The training means they have the skills to act with sensitivity and discretion.”
Trixie May in Gilson House, who is also part of the Skipwith House peer support team, says: "I was keen to be involved because I love to help people; it makes me happy when I see others happy because of something I did. I genuinely care and I want that to come across in the best possible way to everyone. The Peer Support training was a fun way to understand how to speak effectively and to listen to pupils who need some extra support. It gave us the opportunity to appreciate how people can feel in different situations. We learned to treat all levels of issues with the utmost professionalism and to identify what correct actions to take.”
“A major part of the training was to look out for signs that someone was upset or going through some means of mental distress. We learned to consider what the best way to approach the person was and what were the most appropriate things to say to him or her, considering the severity of the situation they were in. Learning the answers equipped us with the skills to approach a situation of all levels.”
Trixie adds: “At Shiplake College we pride ourselves on having amazing pastoral care for our pupils; we are a strong community that offers a safe and friendly environment where you can discuss any issues you may have with another pupil. The Peer Support Group is about pupils helping each other within our community. This is an inclusive school where we look out for each other – and that means everyone, every individual, not just our friends. If you have something on your mind that’s troubling you, no matter how small, please come and speak to me, or simply ask for help from any of these peer supporters.”
The Peer Support representatives for each House are:
| Burr | Everett | Gilson | Orchard | Lower School | Skipwith | Welsh |
| A Gerecke J Hazel R Pandeva J Rondel | B Ferguson C Good L Pasmore | A Baker A Gerecke N Dunn | J Burghart T Coles P Whitfield | K Baxter K O'Hare J Burgess | H Allen T Craven B May S Green | F Brown J Burgess J Wiggins |
