The main objective of the mentoring programme at Welham is to foster a friendly partnership between the mentor and the mentee in order to develop a bond/relationship that gives the student the comfort of having a home away from home. The informal discussions and dialogues offer them fresh insights and help them cope with the myriad issues that a boarding school life may pose.

All the students need and have a right to be part of an inclusive, responsive and friendly boarding community, an atmosphere where they can feel comfortable seeking help and guidance on any matter. Each teacher, who is the mentor, is responsible for a group of 10-12 students as mentees. The mentors, who have lunch with their mentees every day, also interact with them on a regular basis. This gives the mentor an opportunity to discuss a range of topics from academics to interpersonal relationships. The mentees often seek their mentors when they need a confidant or just a friendly sounding board.

Another aim of the mentoring programme is to motivate and assist students to improve their academic performance while promoting a cohesive boarding school culture. The mentors take an informed interest in their mentees’ schedules, grades, and discipline to ensure that they are meeting their goals. The mentors also encourage their mentees to actively participate in sports, extracurricular activities and community service. Mentors often attend the sporting events, inter-house competitions or performances to support and boost the morale of their mentees.

Our fledgling mentoring programme is proving to be successful in providing a sense of well-being and mutual respect between the mentors and mentees.

WORKSHOPS AND SEMINARS FOR THE HOSTEL STAFF

To ensure the emotional, psychological and physical wellbeing of the girls, the school makes sure that the Hostel Staff attend workshops and seminars from time to time. These help in developing skills, attitudes, and values necessary to gain the ability to understand and manage the current social and emotional issues the girls face with empathy.