A ‘BUDDY’ mentoring system in the Girls’ School is proving a huge success among new starters in Year 7 and older pupils in Year 10.
The more senior buddies spend one form time each week with girls in the Lower School and use the time to talk, enjoy fun activities together and share experiences. Over recent months they have made mini-movies, decorated cupcakes and hosted a special Buddies’ Breakfast.
The supportive set-up, initiated by Head of Middle School Vicki Waugh, aims to encourage friendship groups, promote positive mental health, improve social bonds across year groups, and give extra responsibilities to the older pupils.
Issy, in Year 10, helps support her sister Elena and others in form 7J. She said: “The best thing about being a buddy is seeing the friendships that the Year 7 girls are forming. It is a great feeling knowing that these are bonds that may stick for life and that certain form activities have strengthened and developed these friendships.
“Being a buddy has helped to develop my confidence, my leadership skills and my organisation, and it has taught me to form relationships with people who are younger than me.”
Erin supports pupils in form 7M and has planned activities, including quizzes, charades, and online games. She said: “Being a buddy has definitely developed my creativity, as well as my social skills, and it’s really nice at the end of a session together to see the younger girls leave with big smiles on their faces.”
Year 7 girls described their buddies as ‘kind’, ‘helpful’, ‘supportive’, and ‘funny’. Ann said: “They give us really good advice, which is a great help because they have experience of being in Year 7. I would like to be a buddy when I am in Year 10 so I can support and encourage others, which makes everyone happy.”
Elizabeth added: “I’d like to be a buddy one day to help bring a smile to all of the Year 7s, and show them that everyone is nice and there is nothing to be afraid of.”
Victoria Ward, Head of Lower School (DAGS), said the mentoring system has been welcomed by both year groups and creates a sense of unity across the Girls’ School. “The older girls are great at leading activities and checking-in with their buddies; it really is a positive set up and encourages good mental health and wellbeing among pupils,” she said. “The Lower School forms love their sessions with their buddies and, equally, the buddies get a lot out of it too.”