Year 9 students have been supported and guided by their Peer Support Leaders.  During Kotahitanga Day the Year 9 students enjoyed solving problems, and having fun, through different mental and physical activities.  In the video below, our Peer Support Leaders share how they have accompanied the Year 9 students to build relationships and feel integrated in their first year at Rangitoto College.

Peer Support gives senior students the opportunity for self-development and provides junior students with security and friendship to help them adapt successfully to college life.

As a Peer Support Leader, you will support and care for a specific Year 9 tutor class.  You are not expected to solve their problems or counsel them, but you can help the students by leading discussion groups and activities where they can learn to understand people around them a little better, develop the skills to get along with each other and make sound decisions about their lives.

The support that you give the members of your group is important – do not underestimate it.  Knowing enough to support each student means that you will need to learn about them, help the group to become aware of the needs and feelings of others, and help them to develop a sense of responsibility for one another.

Through the skills and learning they gain as you work with them, the students will develop friendships and relationships, together with the confidence to look after themselves at school and develop their own individuality.

Benefits to you:

• The chance to give something back to the school.
• Leadership training and experience.
• An addition for your CV. The Peer Support Programme is known all over the world.
• The chance to make a positive difference to Year 9 students coming here next year.

Year 12 students interested in becoming a Peer Support Leader must submit an application in Term 3.

If their application is successful, they will be invited to training. Candidates must be available to attend two training sessions. These are booked for after the final NCEA exam.

If their engagement in training is successful, they will be offered a position of Peer Support Leader. Commitment to the programme is essential and includes:

• attending and leading two Year 9 Orientation Days (January)
• lead pre-planned sessions with your Y9 tutor class for 1 x period per 6-day cycle during Term 1. This will align with their free period (IB students still encouraged to apply).
• Kotahitanga Day
• attending at least two lunchtime meetings during Term 1 (negotiated with other leaders in their tutor class) to provide feedback and prepare for the upcoming session.

Rangitoto Summit Diploma is not applicable for Year 12 and Year 13 students.  Participation will be captured in your student records.