Launching Our Peer Mentoring Programme: Building Connections and Confidence
We are delighted to announce the launch of our Peer Mentoring Programme for pupils in Third Year, Fourth Year, and Lower Sixth. This exciting initiative is based on the AMBIT model (Adaptive Mentalization-Based Integrative Treatment), which promotes understanding, empathy, and reflective thinking.
Mr Bowen explains:
“
Our approach draws on best practice from the Anna Freud Centre, a leading organisation in child and adolescent mental health.
”
Training Our First Mentors
Earlier this term, pupils were invited to apply to Mr Bowen and Mrs Bayliss, and on 25th November, we trained our first group of 16 mentors, with a further 20 pupils set to train after Christmas.
The training day was a fantastic success. Pupils explored what it means to be a mentor, practised active listening, and learned how to help their peers think clearly about challenges—without giving advice or trying to solve problems.
One of the highlights was a series of role play activities, where mentors worked in pairs and small groups to rehearse real-life scenarios. These exercises brought the skills to life and gave pupils confidence in managing conversations sensitively and effectively.
Why Peer Mentoring Matters
Peer mentoring is about building trust and creating space for pupils to feel heard. It benefits both sides:
- Mentees gain support and clarity.
- Mentors develop confidence, empathy, and valuable life skills.
This initiative plays an important role in supporting wellbeing across the school.
Get Involved
Peer mentoring is a powerful way to build trust, confidence, and wellbeing in any school community. If you’re a parent, educator, or simply interested in supporting young people, consider how you can encourage mentoring in your own setting:
- Start small: Create opportunities for pupils to listen and support each other.
- Focus on empathy: Teach active listening and reflective thinking rather than giving advice.
- Use proven models: Explore frameworks like AMBIT, which promote understanding and mental wellbeing.
For those within our school, pupils who feel they would benefit from a mentor can speak to their tutor. For others, this is a great time to think about how peer mentoring could make a difference in your own community.
We are delighted to announce the launch of our Peer Mentoring Programme for pupils in Third Year, Fourth Year, and Lower Sixth. This exciting initiative is based on the AMBIT model (Adaptive Mentalization-Based Integrative Treatment), which promotes understanding, empathy, and reflective thinking.
Mr Bowen explains:
“ Our approach draws on best practice from the Anna Freud Centre, a leading organisation in child and adolescent mental health. ”
Training Our First Mentors
Earlier this term, pupils were invited to apply to Mr Bowen and Mrs Bayliss, and on 25th November, we trained our first group of 16 mentors, with a further 20 pupils set to train after Christmas.
The training day was a fantastic success. Pupils explored what it means to be a mentor, practised active listening, and learned how to help their peers think clearly about challenges—without giving advice or trying to solve problems.
One of the highlights was a series of role play activities, where mentors worked in pairs and small groups to rehearse real-life scenarios. These exercises brought the skills to life and gave pupils confidence in managing conversations sensitively and effectively.
Why Peer Mentoring Matters
Peer mentoring is about building trust and creating space for pupils to feel heard. It benefits both sides:
- Mentees gain support and clarity.
- Mentors develop confidence, empathy, and valuable life skills.
This initiative plays an important role in supporting wellbeing across the school.
Get Involved
Peer mentoring is a powerful way to build trust, confidence, and wellbeing in any school community. If you’re a parent, educator, or simply interested in supporting young people, consider how you can encourage mentoring in your own setting:
- Start small: Create opportunities for pupils to listen and support each other.
- Focus on empathy: Teach active listening and reflective thinking rather than giving advice.
- Use proven models: Explore frameworks like AMBIT, which promote understanding and mental wellbeing.
For those within our school, pupils who feel they would benefit from a mentor can speak to their tutor. For others, this is a great time to think about how peer mentoring could make a difference in your own community.