Let your buddy guide the way
Communications Team, UWCSEA
12 December 2024
Finding your way in a big community can feel overwhelming, but having an older student to help guide you can make all the difference. Through the Buddy Programme and Sports Coaching Service, our Middle and High School students are stepping up as mentors; building connections that help younger students feel supported and confident.
A buddy for a friend
On East Campus, each High School Mentor class is paired with a Buddy class from the Primary or Middle School. These one-on-one pairings create opportunities for meaningful conversations, learning, and trust-building between older and younger students to help connect our community. They provide younger students with a positive role model to look up to, while also offering valuable academic support. Our High School Buddies gain practical skills such as organisation when planning for activities that engage their younger peers while also honing social skills like empathy, which are essential for leadership.
“At first, it’s mostly light games and simple conversations, but as time goes on, the younger buddies really start to open up. They begin asking questions like, ‘What’s High School like?’ or sharing stories about their day. It can be tricky to bridge the age gap, but by being patient and curious, we create a bond, learning to support one another, and it’s amazing to see their confidence blossom as they become more comfortable.”
Rhianna and Rivan, Grade 10, East Campus
Across Dover Campus, students of all ages are connecting through mentorship and leadership in Buddy Programmes. As Playground Buddies, Middle School students spend several days a week helping younger students with friendships and encouraging inclusive play. Boarding students join in as well, becoming Boarding Buddies after school, helping younger students with reading and homework, or playing games, from sports to board games.
In High School, students take on even greater responsibilities. Grades 9 and 10 students volunteer in Infant School classrooms, and by Grade 11, they step into leadership roles, mentoring younger volunteers and guiding classroom activities. After their training on child safety and how to work with young children, they spend time each week reading, playing educational games, and helping with outdoor activities. These moments with their younger peers are a highlight of the week for many, offering them opportunities to not only gain leadership skills but to grow a deeper understanding of working with children.
Training alongside student-athletes
From the courts to the fields, our Junior School students participate in sports like basketball, rugby, tennis, and more, guided by enthusiastic High School senior student coaches across both campuses. On Dover Campus, student coaches bring Primary School students together, set goals for the session through a focused lesson plan, and lead drills, such as shooting practice. After practising these skills in small-sided games, the sessions end with a recap to reinforce the day’s lesson. Through their coaching, these High School students not only support and encourage their young learners but also help them navigate both the challenges of sports and their UWCSEA journey.
Cross over to UWCSEA East, and our students are embracing mentorship and participating in leadership training through the Dragons Student Leadership Programme. Grades 8 to 12 leaders commit to at least 20 hours of volunteer work, guiding younger peers in sports activities and gaining hands-on experience in communication, planning, and teamwork. The workshops are accompanied by reflective journalling to help strengthen their learning, and successful participants even qualify for internship opportunities, preparing them for future challenges and possible career pathways.
This idea of giving back to our community makes Service incredibly meaningful and fulfilling. This positive community allows new students to feel like they have joined a safe, encouraging and empowering environment which is what the UWCSEA values are all about.
– Lara, Grade 11, Dover Campus
I get to support these young athletes as they navigate the challenges of learning a new sport. As an older mentor, they can relate to me on their UWCSEA journey, and they feel comfortable approaching me for guidance. It’s rewarding to see them grow both as athletes and individuals.
– Tianyu, Grade 9, Dover Campus
Coaching younger students has been an incredible experience—I’ve learned so much about being a role model and balancing my own growth with theirs. With my refereeing certificate, I now referee for Middle and Primary School games, and coach on weekends. It’s rewarding to see the younger students apply what I’ve taught them, but I’ve also gained a deeper understanding of the sport. I’m not just an athlete anymore; being a coach and referee has added new dimensions to how I see the game.
– Krissy, Grade 9, East Campus
