Published: Monday, 26th July, 2010 8:00am

Giving a helping hand

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A SCHOOL has developed its already successful peer mentoring scheme by collaborating with two other schools for the first time.

Easthampstead Park Community School in Great Hollands has been running its mentoring scheme for three years but earlier this month, 20 pupils joined with 12 representatives from The Brakenhale, School in Rectory Lane, and eight from Garth Hill College, in Sandy Lane, to share knowledge and develop skills.

Students from all three schools were given training in listening and communication.

Lester Martin, learning support manager at Easthampstead Park in Ringmead, said: "These skills will enable all of the new mentors support their fellow students who may have friendship difficulties, conflict or problems in their school life."

The mentors from Key Stages 3 and 4 (ages 11 to 16), some pictured above, were congratulated on their achievements and given certificates.

EP also runs a break and lunch time drop-in mentor service. In addition, mentors support students in their transition from primary to secondary school as part of the Confidence For Learning Programme.