Seniors help juniors with their writing
Since the beginning of term 3, students at Matahui School have been involved in a writing programme where the senior students are mentoring the junior students. This is part of the Matahui School Leadership Programme, a programme which is designed to encourage senior students to reach their full potential through activities that take them out of their comfort zone.
As part of the leadership programme, the year 7 and 8 students were taught how to tutor and work alongside a junior student. The peer tutoring training focused on co-operative relationships between the children, which created a real sense of whanaungatanga (close connection between people; kinship).
During the writing sessions, the senior students (tutors) scaffold the young students by writing stories; and through this interaction both tutors and tutees have improved their writing skills. Students have become more confident in their ability to write, more enthusiastic about writing and are more willing to share what they have written. The writing programme is a short-term programme and has had a huge impact on all students involved.
The Matahui School Leadership Programme begins in year 7 and requires students to complete a variety of activities at school, home, and in the broader community. Previous projects have included fundraising, work for charities, and building and improving aspects of the school environment. The skills the students learn through this leadership programme help to prepare them for what lies ahead in the future.
“Our leadership programme is a positive way to get seniors to become leaders and role models” – Matahui student.