Peer Mediation Scheme

Strood Academy has recently invested into the Medway Peer Mediation Scheme.

Josie Greenstreet from Medway Mediation carried out a series of assemblies to explain to the students what mediation was about and they then had to apply in order to become a peer mediator. 38 students from years 8 through to 12 were chosen to complete the training course, which was separated into years 8 and 9, then years 10 – 12. The intensive course ran over three days and enabled students to take an in depth look at themselves, conflict resolution, as well as learning the skills in order to become an effective communicator.

So what is peer mediation?
Peer mediation is a process in which students in conflict are guided by two trained mediators through a series of steps to find their own way of resolving a problem(s). Pupils take ownership of their resolution of the problem or dispute. Through mediation young people are empowered to understand their own behaviour and the behaviour of others around them.

Mediation gives students an opportunity to voice their feelings about incidents which to some might seem trivial, but to them are hurtful in a safe environment. Peer mediation enables pupils to see others as human being rather than enemies or bullies.

Students wishing to take part in peer mediation can email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or complete a request form from student services or come and see Mrs Noble who is overseeing the scheme.



Thoughts from one of our mediators, Megan in year 12
Over the course of three days, a group of years 10, 11 and 12 pupils went over to the Cliffe site to take part in various different activities which gave us the skills needed to mediate amongst our peers. These activities varied from games where we had to share information about ourselves in the group to build trust, to mediation role plays based on real life experiences. The experience really opened up our eyes and helped us to understand the sorts of things that as peer mediators, we may be involved with.

Mediators are now based around the school for the use of all pupils, with the aim to encourage pupils to talk about their problems and be helped on how to solve the problems.