Search WWW
This site

Jason's Circle at Cox Green School

Allen: The Circle makes me feel nice inside, and proud to be part of it.

Matthew The Mad One: What the circle does for me is it makes me feel special, because I like helping others and it makes me feel warm inside.

Tom: I feel privileged to be in the circle because I feel like I am a part of Jason and the people in the circle. I feel like I can be there for Jason because I can undersand what he is going through, because he discusses the problems that he has, and also what he is going through. By Jason discussing his problems, then me and the circle can then try to help Jason in every possible way. And by every one helping, I get the feeling that Jason will improve. I feel happy that hopefully all of us are helping Jason. I feel much better, when everyone is helping me as well, it backs up my ideas, and then I don't feel afraid to suggest ideas to help Jason. I have got to know more about each person, as time has gone on. My friendship with other circle members has improved due to circle meetings and general obvservations. I have also made new friends; that are adults, they are Colin, Sandra, Laura, and I have had good conversations with people I haven't met before. By having these meetings, and mature conversations with adults, and discussing adult matters, I feel I have matured, and grown up more.

Kevin: I joined the circle to help Jason. I enjoy what I do because I feel that not only Jason but I do get something out of it. Although I often sit there and not actually say anything, this is because the issues are often completely out of my league (Girls etc.) This is not necessarily bad because it give me a view looking into the circle of friends which helps me to see if everything is still on track. Everybody in the group is friendly towards each other and everyone is honest. I enjoy what I do and the atmosphere is good.

Jason: What I have got out of the circle is a lot of help with my problems and a chance to return the favour. My firends have helped me stay in school, unlike last year, on exclusion. I also help them, so it's a mutual thing. I hope the circle will always support each other. It's good to have friends.

Jamie: I enjoy my time in the circle, it is a warm, pleasant place to be and I personally feel I can make a difference. Sometimes I can get frustrated at occurences but this is balanced by the enjoyment and pride I obtain from being a part of this group It is also an honest place and safe from outside interferences. Overall I feel that I have made many new friends, and when I look back on my time here I feel happy and I have no regrets.

Jonathan: The circle is a place where I feel very welcome and where I can contribute my thoughts and feelings to a well of ideas and innovations which we can all benefit from. I love that metaphorical stuff. I enjoy conveying my ideas to others and knowing that I am making a brighter future for others. I would also like to mention the fact that there is no hierarchical system which one person is distinctly more important than the others-everybody is equal. It's the equilibrium between us that helps us talk to and understand each other.

Shakira: I have enjoyed coming to the circle to support other people as well as myself even though I have missed a few sessions due to work. Joining the circle made me realise that everyone has their own individuality and that we should all be treated with respect. I feel as though I can tell these group of people my secrets and hope that they keep them within the group too. This circle I have joined has made me feel safe and I can steer away from the troubles behind me.

Siobhan: I have enjoyed being in the circle of friends. I feel good that I am helping someone out. In the circle you can talk to people about things that you aren't able to tell other people. I can trust people in the circle becasue of confidentiality, none of it goes outside the circle. Also the circle supports each other and helps each other out. The circle of friends is a good way to meet new people and make more friends. Being in the circle has made me a lot more confident

Emma: I got from the circle is understanding and respect from the group happiness and loyalty throughout the time I've been in the circle. The people in the group are all supportive. I get help from everyone and they help me which is all confidential

Jade: What I get out of the circle? *I get to help a friend *I get to talk about things that I know will not go out of the circle *I find that I am more confident in normal life *I have gained some good friends *I get to help my mates with problem they are having *They help me with my problems

Thom: sorry bout this but due to me not being at the last meeting im not sure of the content needed to be written so i have just written all my feelings about the circle down, do cut and paste to get the bits you would like! to me the circle is a place where i feel i am making a difference.Well used to be, but as it has gone on for over a year now i feel the purpose of the circle is getting less and less effective. With more and more immature comments entering the in the heat of an important discusion. Also with the same advice being given each week i feel that the "child in need" is takeing les and less notice about the advice being given. The circle i am involved in has however made a desernable impact on the student in need but i dont see this suituation improving with out some drastic re-thinking of the way our circle is run. The plan for the new year of reflecting more pesonally at each person in the group would be a good idea apart from the fact i do not enjoy the company of most of the people in the circle. This leaves me wondering wether it would be a good time to step down. But by stepping down i would feel i have failed jason as i feel he still has a long way to go. (*I haven't altered anything he wrote- it's all too illuminating!)

My comments as circle co-ordinator: The circle has given me a chance to get to know young people in a way Idon't really have access to as a teacher. I have learnt to admire and respect these 14-15 year-olds and to love each of them for the special qualities they have; friendship, trust, belief in each other and a sprit of fun and comradeship.