Counselling

Structures

Each Year Group has their own dedicated Counsellor:

• Each year group from Year 8 – Year 12 will have the same Counsellor as they progress through the school

• Year 13 & 14 Counsellor is Mr Wilson

Mrs McCracken is designated teacher for Child Protection and Head of Counselling. All Counsellors are teachers who have qualifications in counselling young people.

Function

Each Year Counsellor has dedicated time daily to work with pupils either on an individual or group basis.

Boys are encouraged to self-refer (This will be explained by their Counsellor during the P7 parents night) but also parents/friends can refer if they think a boy has concerns or worries. 

Teachers frequently refer if they notice that there is a change in the pupil's appearance, attitude or work rate.

Counsellors have a high profile within the Year Group – they call into Form Classes each day and regularly speak in Assemblies.

In addition to individual and small group counselling, the Counselling Department also provides additional activities for whole year groups. These activities address issues which young people experience. Many outside agencies support the work of the Counselling Department including Replay Theatre Society, PIPS, Samaritans, AWARE, Achieve NI, Lighthouse and Cruse Bereavement.

Anti-Bullying Week takes place each year in November – the whole school takes part in this important initiative. Various Departments also contribute, for example, writing a diary entry in English, designing anti-bullying posters in Art & ICT.