A WELL-ESTABLISHED peer mentoring scheme runs at St Martin's School in Hutton.
PIPs (Prefects in Peer Support) have been so successful in helping Year Seven pupils settle in the school, their work has been extended to help Year Eight pupils too.
All PIPs receive the KIDSCAPE BIT (bullying intervention training) so they feel equipped to cope with students who need extra support.
The training focuses on all areas of bullying, with a particular emphasis on cyber intimidation to which young people can fall prey via text messages or social networking sites.
Working in pairs the PIPS spend two or three mornings a week with their forms, running activities with the aim of encouraging the younger pupils to get on well together.
Gaynor Wilson, the school's SEAL (social and emotional aspects of learning) co-ordinator, who oversees the scheme, said: "Having PIPs helps the Year Sevens settle, allays fears and gives them an upper school friendly face to remember.
"It has worked so well we wanted them to continue when the students move into year Eight, as although they are now familiar with the school they can still have problems."
Joseph Beattie, 18, who is head boy of St Martin's, became a PIP in September.
He said: "I was asked to get involved and very happy to do so. Some of my friends have been doing it for more a year now and have established a rapport with younger pupils.
"It's lovely to see that.
"I've just moved forms and this one is quite different from the last one I was in.
"They are both lovely but it's interesting to see how different the chemistry is between the two groups."
Joseph works with Nikita Frampton, 17, and as they are both drama students they like to use role play and acting games to help the younger students mix more.
Nikita said: "It's really nice as you are with them for two years and so you really get to know them.
"The pupils have our school email addresses so if they do not want to speak out in front of others they contact us that way.
"I think they often feel happier talking to me rather a teacher as I am much closer in age."