Peebles High School Case Study

Young people talking to young people

The key points to this case study are:

• peer education
• partnership working
• advocacy.

Peebles High School, in Scottish Borders, is involved in a number of pupil peer-support initiatives including the following.

• Paired Reading: a lunchtime meeting which offers junior pupils extra practice in reading.
• Buddy Scheme: all S1 pupils are allocated a buddy who meets weekly to support progress and act as a supporter through the early stages of S1.
• Anti-Bullying Council (ABC): a drop-in facility is available for pupils to discuss concerns about bullying. ABC members also assist in personal and social education (PSE) classes.
• Classroom Supporter Role: students assist the Learning Support Department with pupils who have additional support needs or those who benefit from extra support.
• Lunch Club: supporting junior pupils with homework and general study.
• Successmaker: computer-based program to develop literacy and numeracy skills for individuals.

There are two particular initiatives which involve pupils as peer advocates, educators and counsellors. The two projects are Up2U and the Young People’s Advocacy Project, which work closely together, operating out of the same office base, as well as working closely with school staff, the school nurse and other agencies.