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Cool Schools
“Cool Schools provides a sound framework for teachers and students to resolve their differences in a positive way.” (Principal)
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The Cool Schools Peer Mediation Programme has been operating in New Zealand since 1991. It has been delivered to nearly two thirds of our schools nationwide.
This proactive programme empowers people by teaching them skills and processes to resolve conflict peacefully. Individuals learn how to use conflict scenarios as an opportunity to build positive relationships with others. Non-violent, constructive, co-operative, WIN/WIN solutions to a problem are negotiated. Agreements are made which are mutually acceptable to all parties concerned. When implemented as a whole- school programme, it has a positive impact not only on students, teachers and parents but also for the wider school community.
Schools successfully implementing the programme report that 80-85% of minor disputes are settled permanently by peer mediators helping to make the school environment (both playground and classroom) a happier, safer, more peaceful place to be. Students are providing a service for other students as “peace-keepers”. They are modelling skills and processes, which will last a lifetime and are readily transferable to the home, workplace, community etc.
New Zealand is becoming increasingly multi-cultural. This cultural and ethnic diversity is often reflected in schools. The Cool Schools Peer Mediation Programme training increases the students’ awareness of cultural differences and fosters understanding and respect of diversity so that every child’s uniqueness is recognised and embraced.
Peer mediation, conflict resolution and problem solving skills are linked to the Health and Physical Education Curriculum – Strand C, Relationships with Others, Levels 1-8. In the Ministry of Education Curriculum document, the 5 Key Competencies include many achievement objectives related to the skills and processes taught in the Cool Schools Programme. The good news is that teachers can teach these as part of their Health Curriculum.
Cool Schools Programmes aim to:
• Help individuals develop life long conflict management skills
• Focus on building positive relationships with others
• Create win/win situations for students, teachers, parents, caregivers and the wider community
• Provide life skills for school, home and the workplace
• Empower students to help other students
• Be proactive, helping to prevent bullying and other levels of conflict
• Provide a peaceful and safe learning environment
• Encourage students to develop the value of service leadership
The Cool Schools Programmes develop key skills such as:
• Active reflective listening
• Using “I” statements and affirmations
• Recognising different types of responses to conflict
• Effective questioning
• The role of the mediator
• The mediation process (including a process for junior students)
Quotes from Cool Schools:
“It’s great that the teachers don't have to get involved with our peer group problems!!!”
Student
“There is a lot more respect and care around how teachers and students speak to each other.”
Teacher
“Cool Schools eases up the pressure on teachers. They don't have to deal with the minor conflicts that pop up all the time.”
Teacher
“Parents comment on how positive the programme is when their children use the strategies to deal with problem solving at home.”
Principal
‘Students respond positively to the mediators and appear to appreciate being able to work through issues with fellow students rather than teachers.’
Cool Schools Co-ordinator
‘Students are more responsible for their own actions, mediators are respected and engaged in proactive leadership skills in the playground. This is a valuable programme - effective in helping children deal with their own issues and improving playground behaviour.’
Principal
