Schools Work

Christ's College

A day in the life of a Christ's College Youth Worker

Youth Work in Schools

Schools Workers are highly valued members of a school team serving as an 'adult friend' to students. While they are not counsellors much of their time is spent as a 'listening ear' in one to one meetings. In addition, they also lead school groups, organise trips, sporting and charity events and help with lessons

Every day working as a youth worker in Christ's College throws up unexpected challenges. An average day would consist of a briefing with the teaching staff in the morning, as well as having a cup of coffee with any specific people I need to catch up with or update on any current cases. I would then move to the assembly being a recognisable face and engaging with the whole school activities. For the rest of the day I would be in my office talking to young people dealing with a variety of concerns, ranging from anxiety about coursework, arguments with parents, fighting in lessons to general chats about life, boyfriends or a new hair cut. It really is as broad as the young people make it. On occasion I get asked to watch rehearsals for performances or sporting events in which the young people are participating, which gives a different perspective on what they enjoy and I can see for myself how they interact with their friends and peers.

Most of my work is dictated by whatever the current needs of young people in school are. We work together to overcome any obstacles, as well as having a little fun (but not too much!) along the way.