Pittwater High School offers a highly successful Peer Support program, which has proven to be invaluable in helping Year 7 students adjust to what is inherently a daunting new environment after Primary School.
The Peer Support leaders are present for the Year 7’s first day of school to help the students navigate their way around the school, read their timetables and become familiar with the daily routines at PHS.
Following this, the Peer leaders facilitate weekly sessions throughout Term 1, focusing on building positive friendships, developing resilience and participating in problem solving activities. The Peer Support leaders work in teams of two or three with approximately ten Year 7 students per group.
Training to become a Peer Support Leader is offered to Year 9 students in Term 4, in preparation for the following year. Those students who become leaders are very committed, valuing their own experiences with Peer Support in Year 7 and the opportunity to develop leadership skills once they are in Year 10.
The Year 7 students and Peer Support leaders gain so much from the friendships forged between them. In addition, the Year 10 leaders gain a worthwhile experience in leadership and responsibility which is well recognised among the school community.
"Peer Support has taught me leadership skills, cooperation, teamwork and patience. It has been a rewarding experience, being able to work with and help the Year 7 students to settle in. Peer Support has helped me to develop life skills that will help me through my senior school years". Chloe S
