Belfast Boys Model School

The School has launched a mentoring training programme for senior pupils, which will ensure that Primary 7 children transferring to the school in September will merge seamlessly into secondary school life.

Year 13 pupils have been embarking on an effective mentoring course while visiting Primary 7 children at each of Boys’ Model feeder schools, giving children an insight into life at the school and addressing any fears and anxieties they may have about entering post-primary education for the first time.

The mentoring scheme has encouraged senior pupils to develop effective listening and communication skills, as well as highlighting the importance of confidentiality, child protection, social inclusion and being aware of the signs of unsettlement within new pupils. It is hoped that the scheme will result in a smooth transition from primary to secondary education for children entering Boys’ Model at the beginning of the new academic year.

Commenting on the initiative, Ms Judith Blair, Mentoring Scheme Coordinator at the school commented,” The conversion from primary to secondary school can be an extremely daunting experience for most children. Many are intimidated by the sheer number of pupils and the size of the building in comparison to what they are used to. At Boys’ Model we endeavour to ensure that junior pupils receive all the necessary advice and guidance possible on entering a new environment and have confidence coming to school on their first day and view it a positive experience to be enjoyed, rather than something to fear or dread”.

Due to the success of the mentoring scheme, it has been offered this year for the first time as an ‘Enrichment’ subject to boys entering a two year A-Level course at the school.

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