Mentors are magic

AWARD winners Saddleworth School peer mentors with head teacher Matthew Milburn (2nd left) and presenter, Mayor Cllr. Derek Heffernan (centre)

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A NEW mentor scheme by pupils at Saddleworth School scooped the Schools award.

Launched in 2015, the school originally expected 20 students to join but numbers have swelled to 80, showing how pupils want to help their peers.

Youngsters have taken part in a wide series of projects to make life at high school much better experience for all.

Speaking with the team after receiving the award, pupil Alanna Rudd (16) said: "We do lots of activities including anti-bullying and self-esteem events, a kindness challenge, teacher-training sessions and reading project. We also help pupils to make the change more easily from primary to high school."

Roshni Parmer Hill added: "All the shortlisted finalists are really deserving but we are really proud of this award."

Teacher Colette Cradock, who launched the scheme, and head teacher Matthew Milburn were also thanked.

Springbrook School and Limehurst Primary were runners-up.

Supporting

Springbrook teachers were nominated for their determination in supporting youngsters with social, emotional and mental health difficulties.

Toni Thomason said: "We are very proud of the fantastic work done by staff" and link-worker Jackie Sanderson added: "Toni is an amazing boss who makes us all feel appreciated."

Limehurst was nominated for a trip to China, when youngsters travelled to Youfu Primary School in Nanjing.

Associate head teacher Ian Wilson said: "It was great to arrange this unusual trip for the kids and fantastic to get recognition for it."

Pupil Alishya Warburton (11) added: "It was an amazing trip where we got to meet Chinese people."