Calm Mediation’s Restorative Justice Manager Julie Clark reflects on her experience of assessing the newly learned mediation skills of Year 12 Students at Bacon’s College, South East London.
I was excited to be offered the opportunity to join Mel, Dave and Kamlesh in assessing trainee mediators at Bacon’s College recently. Working in restorative justice rather than mediation, I did some research and went through the assessment criteria with Mel ahead of the observations and I felt a little nervous but prepared for my role as assessor.
What I was not prepared for was the level of skill, knowledge and discernment that I observed during the role play assessments! The students were so confident and professional, their verbal communication and body language emanated confidence, reassurance and empathy and they remained impartial throughout. It came so naturally to them I have no idea how they managed to learn so much in such a short time!
When our next generation of young adults are this skilled and have the motivation to make their schools and communities safer, more inclusive spaces, I think we can all be truly inspired. Count me in for next time, please!
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