LESSONS

SECTION ONE - MATERIAL FOR ALL STUDENTS

• 15 WHAT'S PEER COUNSELLING THEN? Students will understand the concept of peer counselling and be able to work with others in a positive way.
• 17 WHY PEER COUNSELLING IN OUR SCHOOL? Students will recognise the benefits that peer counselling could provide for the school's population.
• 19 COULD THIS BE THE JOB FOR ME? Students will understand the level of commitment peer counsellors need to make.
• 21 WHAT'S IN IT FOR ME? Students will be able to identify the qualities needed by peer counsellors, identify those qualities they already possess and those they may need to develop.
• 23 YOU ALREADY DO THIS JOB! Students will recognise the peer counselling qualities they already possess and realise that they are appreciated by others.
• 25 WHAT DO YOU MEAN, WORRIES? Students will recognise how peer counsellors could help with a range of teenage worries.
• 27 LOOK AT ME WHEN I'M TALKING TO YOU! Students will understand the elements that contribute to good listening skills.
• 29 DECISION TIME! Students will scrutinise the role of peer counselling in terms of responsibility, commitment and suitability.

SECTION TWO - MATERIAL FOR THE CORE GROUP

• 35 LET'S GET STARTED Students will meet the group, begin to work together as a team and establish the ground rules for the peer counsellor training sessions.
• 37 CONFIDENTIALITY CONTRACT Students will understand what a confidentiality contract is and why it is necessary.
• 39 THE ROLE OF THE PEER COUNSELLOR Students will develop a clear understanding of the role of the peer counsellor.
• 41 QUALITIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Students will understand the qualities needed by a peer counsellor and the responsibility that goes with this role.
• 43 GIVING AND GETTING THE MESSAGE Students will be able to listen effectively and be aware of non-verbal messages - seeing as well as hearing.
• 45 WHAT MAKES A GOOD LISTENER? Students will develop and add to their current listening skills.
• 47 I THINK SHE SAID... Students will be able to recognise the match or mismatch between body and head messages.
• 49 SOMETHING THAT REALLY BOTHERS ME... Students will consider the range of problems clients may bring to them.
• 51 ESTABLISHING SOCIAL CONFIDENCE Students will develop a range of skills which enable them to feel confident in settings which involve establishing new relationships.
• 53 THE RIGHT ATMOSPHERE Students will be able to create a positive, warm climate of trust when welcoming clients.
• 55 QUESTIONS, QUESTIONS, QUESTIONS Students will be able to gather information effectively using a range of questioning techniques.
• 57 REFLECTING BACK FEELINGS Students will be able to empathise with their client and reflect back feelings.
• 59 REFLECTING AND SUMMARISING Students will be able to reflect back feelings and content during client interviews.
• 61 MAKING DECISIONS: DO I, DON'T I? Students will understand the steps needed to help a client come to a decision.
• 63 THE FUTURE: ESTABLISHING GOALS Students will be able to use solution-focused talk to help clients establish achievable goals.
• 65 I WAS ONLY HELPING... Students will understand the nature of the helping role.
• 67 SO IT'S A PROBLEM AT SCHOOL THEN... Students will have an understanding of school-related problems likely to be met and be aware of possible sources of help.
• 69 FAMILIES! WHO CHOOSES THEM? Students will have an understanding of family-related problems likely to be met and be aware of possible sources of help.
• 71 TOO TRICKY FOR ME! Students will understand the process needed to move a client on to adult help.
• 73 THE WAY FORWARD Students will be clear about how the peer counselling project will operate in school and the practical issues involved.

APPENDICES

• 78 APPENDIX 1 This Week in School (for use with page 17)
• 79 APPENDIX 2 Listener Cards (for use with page 27)
• 80 APPENDIX 3 Counselling - Some Definitions (for use with page 39)
• 81 APPENDIX 4 Body Language Cards (for use with page 43)
• 82 APPENDIX 5 Body Language (for use with page 43)
• 83 APPENDIX 6 Situation and Response Cards (for use with page 47)
• 84 APPENDIX 7 Feelings Cards (for use with page 59)
• 85 APPENDIX 8 Scaling Question Scenarios (for use with page 63)
• 86 APPENDIX 9 Client and Counsellor Roleplays (for use with page 65)
• 87 APPENDIX 10 How Well Did You Listen? (for use with page 65)
• 88 APPENDIX 11 How Well Were You Listened To? (for use with page 65)
• 89 APPENDIX 12 Training Course Evaluation (for use with page 73)
• 90 APPENDIX 13 Sample Letter to Parents
• 91 APPENDIX 14 Sample Certificate
• 92 APPENDIX 15 My Self Assessment