At Surabaya European School (SES), the spirit of community isn’t just a catchphrase; it’s a living, breathing ethos woven into the very fabric of school life. A particularly beautiful manifestation of this is the culture of senior pupils providing guidance and mentorship to their junior counterparts. This practice not only strengthens individual pupils but also fosters a powerful sense of unity within the entire SES community.

The Value of Peer Support at SES

Transitioning from primary to secondary, or moving between secondary levels, can feel overwhelming – with new routines, academic challenges, and social dynamics to navigate. At SES, older pupils naturally step into informal support roles, offering guidance and encouragement to their younger peers.

Navigating School Life Together

Whether it’s finding their way around new timetables, understanding classroom expectations, or exploring co-curricular opportunities, younger pupils benefit from the friendly advice of those who’ve been there before. Older pupils often share helpful tips and personal experiences that ease the adjustment process.

Academic Encouragement

Pupils who excel in particular subjects are often happy to lend a hand – explaining tricky concepts, offering revision strategies, or simply encouraging their juniors to keep going. These casual interactions help foster a collaborative learning environment where pupils learn from one another.

Social Connection and Confidence

Sometimes, just having an approachable older pupil to talk to makes a big difference. From offering a listening ear to modelling positive behaviour, these informal peer connections support younger pupils’ social and emotional wellbeing.

A Culture of Care and Belonging

These spontaneous acts of peer support reflect SES’s strong sense of community. They help younger pupils feel more connected, confident, and ready to grow – academically, socially, and personally.

SES Community: A Tapestry of Interconnectedness

This culture of senior guidance seamlessly aligns with the broader SES community values:

• Unity and Collaboration:
  • The practice reinforces the idea that the SES community is a collective, where everyone supports and learns from each other.
  • It breaks down barriers between year groups, fostering a sense of interconnectedness and shared responsibility.
• Respect and Empathy:
  • Seniors learn to develop empathy and patience as they guide their juniors, while juniors learn to respect the experience and wisdom of their seniors.
  • This mutual respect contributes to a positive and harmonious school environment.
• Leadership and Responsibility:
  • The mentorship role provides seniors with opportunities to develop leadership skills, demonstrate responsibility, and contribute to the well-being of the community.
  • It empowers them to become positive role models and active contributors to the school’s culture.
• A Culture of Care:
  • This system creates a culture of care. Where pupils know that they are supported by their peers, and that they are part of something larger than themselves.

In essence, the culture of senior guidance at SES is not just a helpful practice; it’s a vital component of the school’s identity. It reinforces the idea that the SES community is a unified and supportive environment where every pupil, regardless of age, feels valued, connected, and empowered to thrive.