Our well-developed ‘buddy’ system is a recognised strength of the school and has been developed far beyond what might normally be seen in a primary school.
For new Reception children the Buddy system ‘begins’ before they start school; the older buddies write to introduce themselves prior to our new children joining St John’s. These older children also invite their ‘new buddies’ to a picnic at school as part of our induction programme; this means that the new children (and their parents) have a familiar face to meet and greet them as they start school in the following September. At the beginning of September the Year 6 buddies have their lunch with the younger children and spend lunchtimes with them ensuring the children are happy.
The family ethos of the school is developed further throughout the school as the buddy system extends to other year groups (Year 4 and Year 1, Year 5 and Year 2, Year 3 are given the opportunity to develop their future role as buddies to younger children during a transition year). Children arriving at the school at different points in the year are given a class buddy to ensure that they too settle into life at St John’s quickly.
The buddy system encourages all our children to be confident, independent and responsible for their own actions. It enables children to quickly settle into school life, reflects the values of our school and clearly demonstrates how older children can act as excellent role models developing the outstanding attitudes and behaviours of all our children.
Buddies in the words of our parents:
“Class R have been really lucky to have had not just their own buddy looking out for them but a whole class full, who have each gone out of their way to help them, to support them, to care for them and to play lots with them. The kind, patient and friendly behaviour shown has given class R something to aspire to and has ensured their first year at school has been an absolutely fun and fantastic one”.
“Class 6 have gone above and beyond in their role as buddies, and not because they’ve been told to but because they’ve wanted to and I would like to say thank you to them for everything they’ve done. They are a credit to the school, to their teachers, and to their parents and I know Class R will miss them loads but will wish them all the luck in the world at their new schools.”
Buddies in the words of our Year 6 children:
I like that we do buddy reading each week. We get to spend quality time with each other and we can help with their reading and learning. I enjoy playing with my buddy at playtime and giving gifts at Christmas and on their birthdays. It is really nice to see how happy it makes them – I love seeing them happy. It is also really nice to see them grow up throughout the year and I always think back to how much they have changed since their first day at school.
I like that I feel as though I have a responsibility to help look after someone younger than me. It makes me feel really grown up. I enjoy our buddy reading sessions as I especially love reading to other people, so it is nice that I can read to my buddy. I like that the teachers try to pair you with someone you are like. It is nice to interact with the younger children and spend lots of time with them. I still remember my buddy from when I was in Reception.
