Settling in is a breeze for new pupils

GETTING to know you . . . Brazilian student Alexandra Soares (right) with new student supporter Hifza Sultana, other volunteers and teacher Sally Hyman (back right), scheme co-ordinator

STARTING a new school can be scary but it is even more daunting if you have moved here from another country.

To help, around 30 pupils at Breeze Hill School have been trained as new student supporters, whose job it is to make it easier for new classmates to settle in to their new surroundings.

Now, for their vital work they have been nominated for a Pride in Oldham Award.

The teenagers are paired with new arrivals in their year to show them around, introduce them to staff, make sure they know how things works and help at a confusing time.

Last year 20 pupils joined Breeze Hill from countries such as Pakistan, Congo, Brazil, Iraq and Iran, as well as Europe, and the scheme is part of a package of support to help them settle in socially and academically.

Some may have previously attended small, rural schools and have to contend with the culture shock of a new country and a bustling building while often also learning the language.

Proud head teacher Bernard Phillips paid tribute to the pupils and said: “We are absolutely delighted that someone has nominated us for a Pride in Oldham Award.

“The pupils are very keen, hard-working young people who want to help others. They have given their time and effort to be trained and put their time into breaks and lunchtimes to help new pupils settle in. It really is commendable that they want to do it.

“It gives young people responsibility and that is very important because as a school we need to find ways to do this. It is not just open to older students, it covers the whole age range.

“It has been a huge success and they have had more volunteers than needed. We have had much better induction and settling in of new arrivals and it also builds confidence and self-esteem.

“As a town we need to make sure that new arrivals settle in and get the best out of the education system.”



To nominate someone for a Pride in Oldham award, tell us:



The name of the person or group nominated

A contact number for them, if known

Their job title and place of work, if relevant

Your reason for the nomination

Your name

Your contact number

Send your info by email to editorial@oldham-chronicle.co.uk, marked “Pride in Oldham Awards, 2008




Pride in Oldham is supported by:

Innovative Technology

J W Lees Brewery

Molnlycke Health Care

Northern Counties Housing Association

Oldham Council

University Centre Oldham

Warburtons