CAMPBELL COLLEGE

Head of Year 12

10th June, 2013 Dear Parent, I am writing to invite your son to apply for the role of peer mentor for the coming academic year. I enclose a copy of the job description which should make clear that we view this as a very important position within our pastoral system. It is a useful stepping stone for aspiring prefects as it provides the opportunity for leadership and responsibility. Students who have acted as peer mentors have been able to write about their experiences and the skills they developed in their UCAS personal statements as can be seen in the examples below: In my role as a peer mentor I had to manage groups of young teenagers. It interested me how communication skills, problem solving strategies and team cohesion differed between age groups. This benefited me in my ability to analyse situations which may arise in the business world. The skills I developed in this role allowed me to develop as a role model to the younger boys and I believe this a necessity in the world of work. I have been able to further my knowledge in how to speak with other members of the school community and it has benefited me greatly. Last year I was given the role of being a peer mentor in the school. I also am a reading mentor with one of the junior boarders. As a boarder, you are there to look out for those younger than you who are in need of help and, when they ask you, you need to supply them with good advice. Applications for the post should be made in a letter, addressed to me, by 12pm on Friday 21st June. We will then let applicants know whether they have been successful by Friday 28th June. In their letter of application students should address the following points: 1. Why do you want to be a peer mentor? 2. What do you see as the advantages of having peer mentors in Campbell? 3. Describe the qualities, skills and relevant experience you would bring to the role. 4. Which parts of the role would you be most nervous about and how would you try to overcome this? 5. What kind of problems or difficulties do you think young people in your school might have? 6. How would you manage to be committed both to your schoolwork and to your work as a peer mentor? 7. By the end of the year what do you hope to have achieved as a peer mentor?

CAMPBELL COLLEGE, BELMONT ROAD, BELFAST BT4 2ND

Tel: +44(0) 28 9076 3076 Fax: +44(0) 28 9076 1894 Email: hmoffice@campbellcollege.co.uk Web: www.campbellcollege.co.uk

Please also be aware that training is required in order to equip successful applicants with the necessary skills to carry out this role effectively. The provisional date for this training is Friday 23rd August, prior to the start of the new term and the year 13 and year 8 induction days. This will be confirmed in the acceptance letter to your son. The day will provide students with training in the listening and communication skills required to perform the role successfully; it will also give students an idea of the potential issues they may face and the responsibilities they will carry. The course will take place in Middle School, starting at 9.00am and finishing at 12.40pm. Lunch will be provided at the end of the training and it will not be necessary for your son to wear school uniform. The year 8 Induction Day is Wednesday 28th August, and successful applicants will be required to attend this important day for our new Year 8 pupils. I would ask that you encourage your son to write a letter of application and to avail of this opportunity. It is a role which benefits both the mentors and those being mentored and one which we value highly. Yours sincerely,

C. McIvor

CAMPBELL COLLEGE, BELMONT ROAD, BELFAST BT4 2ND

Tel: +44(0) 28 9076 3076 Fax: +44(0) 28 9076 1894 Email: hmoffice@campbellcollege.co.uk Web: www.campbellcollege.co.uk