All our new students, including close to 360 third formers, were welcomed to Westlake Boys by their seventh form “buddies” as part of the Westlake Boys Buddy Programme. The buddies supported the newcomers on the first day at their new school by showing them around the school campus; playing sports on the field and spending time answering any of their queries.
The Westlake Boys Buddy Programme is an important part of the induction to our school and provides all new students with a senior student who they can contact at any stage during their early days at Westlake. For many third formers, their main concern is to get lost around the campus during their first couple of weeks and being late to class as a result! The buddies assured them that the school isn’t as big as it first looks and that they would soon be able to find their classrooms without assistance.
Since the start of the buddy programme nearly 20 years ago, many new students have benefitted from the relationships that have been formed with their peers throughout their first year at Westlake. The programme has grown from 35 students partaking in the early stages to nearly 230 this year and it truly forms an integral part of the rich fabric our of school.
Thanks to Westlake art and photography teacher, Tracey McKay, who managed to capture some special images of our new students and buddies on their first day at Westlake Boys. If you would like to receive a digital copy of one of these photographs, please get in touch with Christine O’Dowd.
