Hi, I'm the newly appointed Student Support Centre Manager in a secondary school. It's a new post and I'd really like to have some 'models' and theory underpinning what we do. I'm really interested in how Circle Time can be used in this context, particularly for year 7 nurture groups (the first being for anxious and under confident students). I'd be grateful for any advice, ideas and recommended resources. Many Thanks Rachel
Firstly, don't panic! Second, congratulations on the post! Third, running circles in secondary schools, especially for Year 6 to 7 transfer is a brilliant start to transition. If you look at Penny Vine's book on "Bridging the Circle" it has some great scripts to use from Year 6 through to Year 7-but if you're already working with Year 7 that's fine. Running small groups is great, do make sure you are in a safe space where you won't be interrupted.Don't jump into the problems first,play some name games and have some fun before you start exploring any difficulties. Follow the 5 stage model and make sure that the ground rules are clear. They will probably want to share some problems they have had so listen then ask the circle for ideas and suggestions. If the group you're working with is very short on socvial skills, ask each member to invite a friend along next time.That way they may feel more comfortable & you'll have better models for listening, turn taking etc.Of course you may need to engineer who comes along too... Good luck.Do come back to this site if you want more help. Helen Peter
Thanks,Helen, that's fantastic, really helpful. what's even better is that my boss says I can buy some resources, a minor miracle! I'll certainly return to the site for ideas and guidance. Thanks again. Rachel
I wonder if I could bother you all again for some useful resources for use across the Secondary school (particularly for challenging children) Thanks Rachel
It was good to see the dialogue going on about setting up Circles of Support in the secondary school. In my book, Quality Circle Time in the secondary school (see this website shop), I have written loads about using circle time in the secondary school. In addition to Penny's great book you will find that page 62 onwards gives lots of lesson plans for you to use. I think it will be right up your street.
I gave a keynote speech on Saturday entitled 'Healing the shattered psyche of secondary schools through the altruism and energy of its young people'; I'm hoping that the people from this conference will use this website for further debate and sharing. Its absolutely vital that we help secondary schools build on the emotional literacy of the young people coming in to year 7 from primary schools where they have often helped to run the school. The good news is that as we speak, the DfES is working on how it can promote SEBS (Social, Emotional and Behavioural Skills) in secondary schools. This is to make sure that the work of SEAL (Social and Emotional Aspects of Learning) DfES Guidance June 2005 for primary schools - gets built on in the secondary schools.
Another thought has just crossed my mind. We have a great series of books called 101 Games to boost self-esteem .... behaviour ..... social skills - initially these act as a great programme to teach the children the skills they need prior to working on their emotional understanding and empathy.
Good luck Rachel, its a really exciting job. Years ago I held a similar post and its where I learnt many great teaching skills of survival myself - but you need a personal care plan to remind yourself there's a life outside your job - otherwise you can lose perspective and energy. Best wishes for an exciting half term, Jenny Mosley
Thank you so much, this is both helpful and inspiring! I'll keep you updated on how the yr7 nurture groups pan out and also how i've used Quality Circle Time for students across the school. I hope we can continue to share ideas and successes (as I'm sure they will be). Mnay thanks again, Rachel
Hi rachel, I'm wondering how the group is going. I forgot to mention jenny Mosley's & Marilyn tew's book on Circle time in the secondary school-still very useful for secondary work. Also make sure the Drama, SEN & English depts are on board with you-they will be really helpful with ideas if you run out. Good luck! Helen Peter
Hi I'm a student support worker at a secondary school and they are in the process of starting a nurture room, I am looking for help about activities for building low self esteem and am really interested in circle time but it seems that I can only find information for primary school children. This is all a new adventure for me and I want to get it right any comments would be greatly appreciated Many Thanx Michelle
Its great news that you are going to set up a nurture room in secondary school. Nurture groups are fantastic. Circle Time works really well in nurture groups to support these these pupils and help them build relationships. Zara and I have written a book that you may find useful called 'They're Driving Me Mad' which describes setting up and running circles for small groups of children who need more intensive and focused support. Although the ideas in the book are set within a primary context, a few secondary schools have piloted the ideas found in this book and report great success. The first circle time group that I ever ran in a secondary school was published in an article in 1988! I recommend using many of the games and activities for early years children through to years 12-13...and then even through to older people's circles! Everyone needs to have fun with each other, listen and support... I do hope you find the book useful.
Best wishes and good luck with your work Jenny Mosley