In this special 60 second interview, we talk to a few of our student Peer Mentors about their roles and how they love to help other students within the school. Find out more about mental wellbeing at Blackheath High School.

What is your job title?

We are Peer Mentors at Blackheath High School.

Tell us about yourself

Beatriz:

My role as a Peer Mentor mainly consists of doing weekly duties at the Resources Centre, and to help other students with homework or with any worries they may have. I am also involved in having regular meetings with Sue and the other Peer Mentors on our team to discuss new ideas and any issues. We also had a ChildLine Training day, where we received training in preparation for our role. I am a new Peer Mentor of 2018 so I have just started on the role and am still relatively new to the team.

Ingrid:

I have been a Peer Mentor since the end of Year 9 and my role is to be available to answer questions and try to help others. I answer emails and check the worry box in the library, as well as speaking to people directly. Having helped and been supported by older students since I began at Blackheath High School, I’ve learnt the value of asking for help and or offering support to others in need of a friend.

Eden:

I have been a Peer Mentor for 2 weeks so far and I’m really enjoying it. I’m a friendly, sociable person and I enjoy talking to others and helping out as much as I can.

Apple:

My role as a Peer Mentor is to make sure that students have a safe and positive environment to be in. My job involves going to the library at an allocated time to help students with academic and social needs, as well as helping run events for students to make sure they have a supportive network around them. I have been a Peer Mentor for four years and my career path is to do with Psychology and running my own charity, and therefore, as my career path involves helping other people, having an experience as a Peer Mentor is beneficial. My experience on the Peer Mentor team helps the school as I am a part of the support network within our school to assist students with any problems they have.

What do you like most about your job?

Beatriz:

What I like most about being a Peer Mentor is working in a team of such a variety of different people and a mixture of year groups, with the opportunity to support one another and be open.

Ingrid:

I like the sense of community that comes with being on a team and meeting regularly.

Eden:

I get to help people and make new ‘friends’ with other students in different years .

Apple:

I enjoy helping other people with their problems as I can develop positive relationships with other students around the school.

What makes working here at Blackheath High School so rewarding and enjoyable?

Beatriz:

Being able to help other students and getting to know more of the younger years and other students.

Ingrid:

It is a small school, which means that everyone inevitably gets to know each other better, particularly across different year groups. This may not be possible in a larger school. The teachers are also clearly willing to dedicate time to helping students outside of the classroom, as well as offering guidance and support. I’m also proud of the work that I have done for the schools Feminism & LGBQ society including a blog article which I wrote this year.

Eden:

Everyone is nice and it feels like a family.

Apple:

Blackheath High School has a friendly atmosphere and therefore it is easier to communicate with everyone in this school.

What has been your biggest achievement at Blackheath High School?

Beatriz:

Aside from being accepted to the role of Peer Mentor and Year 7 Buddy, it's being able to have a joint collection with my sister, Ana, for the School’s Annual Fashion Show, twice in a row. It was also a really big honour to have received a Scholarship in recognition of my Art work.

Ingrid:

Coping with the amount of work and keeping up research on my EPQ can often be tiring, as is exam stress.

Eden:

Getting the role of Peer Mentor! I filled out a huge form, did the interview and was so pleased I got the role.

Apple:

Winning a trophy from the Wings of Hope final.

What has been your biggest challenge at Blackheath High School?

Beatriz:

Balancing school work with activities outside of school and extracurricular activities in school.

Eden:

Maths!

Apple:

Handling academic stress, but there is always someone I can talk to when it becomes too severe.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

Beatriz:

I really enjoy going out with my friends from both inside school and outside school, as well as being with my sister, Ana, and being with my family in my spare time. I also really enjoy making clothes and doing art.

Eden:

I like watching MFL movies and making art or music.

Apple:

I enjoy reading or watching Ted Talks.

Tell us something surprising about yourself

Beatriz:

I take part in conducting interviews for people who want to work for the NHS, and make decisions on who should get hired. I also have given a speech at the NHS Trust Headquarters, in front of the Chief Executive of the NHS, other board members and members of the general public, which has been one of my most nerve wracking, yet enjoyable and enriching opportunities I have had.

Apple:

I love public speaking and it is something I want to incorporate with my career.