PeerWorks

PeerWorks is one of Riverside Primary School’s Distinctive Programme, which aims to cultivate exemplary character traits and a service mindset in every Riverian, nurturing their empathy to serve their peers and community.

PeerWorks leverages MOE’s Peer Support Framework (Figure 1) to design a progression from self to peers to community, highlighting that individual well-being is intertwined with the quality of peer relationships. These dynamics, in turn, significantly impact the overall health and vitality of a community. This approach underscores the importance of cultivating a strong foundation at the individual level (self-awareness, self-management and personal growth) and peer level (social awareness and relationship management) to foster positive contributions to the broader community through responsible decision making.

What is Riverside’s PeerWorks?

Building on MOE’s Peer Support Framework, Riverside’s PeerWorks expands into the following three domains: 

1. Peer Bonding

2. Peer Helping

3. Peer Influencing

Figure 1. MOE Peer Support Framework

What is our PeerWorks Model (Figure 2)?

There are two tiers of implementation of Peer Support Relationships:

• Tier 1: Every student is a peer supporter

• Tier 2: Selected students as Peer Support Leaders (PSL) to lead, champion and advocate PSR efforts

Figure 2. Riverside’s PeerWorks Model

Implementation of PeerWorks in Riverside

Our school engages Riverians in PeerWorks through two tiers: In Tier 1, every Riverian is a Peer Supporter and is equipped with the following modules:

1.      Building Friendships and Connections

2.      Caring for One Another

3.      Understanding and Supporting Others

4.      Being a Positive Influence

5.      Leading with Compassion

6.      Serving the Community

In Tier 2, selected Riverians are given opportunities as Peer Support Leaders to provide support for their classmates and/or schoolmates as mentioned in MOE’s CHEER Model (Figure 3).

Figure 3. MOE’s Cheer Model

All Riverians are encouraged to be peer supporters across the three PSR domains through their everyday interactions and natural friendships. Support is often reciprocal, as students learn to look out for one another, offer help, listen with empathy, and include their peers. These simple yet meaningful actions help to strengthen positive relationships and foster a strong sense of belonging within the school community.

For Primary 3 to 6, selected Riverians are trained to take on additional responsibilities as Peer Support Leaders (PSL). These student leaders help to look out for peers who may feel lonely or isolated and reach out to befriend and support them. They also provide a listening ear for students who may be experiencing difficulties, offering encouragement and care when needed. As positive role models, Peer Support Leaders influence others by promoting positive mindsets, pro-social behaviour, and good character. Through their leadership and example, they help to strengthen a caring and supportive school culture where every student feels valued and supported. Together, through both levels of peer support, we nurture a community within and beyond the school, built on empathy, care, and shared responsibility.