Pastoral Care in the School

Cherishing the individual is at the heart of our school policy. Appropriate rewards for good behaviour encourage pupils to contribute positively towards School life, whilst a firm but fair set of sanctions reminds students of their responsibilities to each other and the wider school community. You can also download our Child Protection Policy.

Junior School

Each pupil has a Form Teacher who oversees his or her academic progress, is on hand to give guidance and support and should be regarded as a parent's first point of contact in all matters. Teachers are easily accessible for advice, support and encouragement as well as being available by appointment at the more formal Parents' Evenings. Each year group has a Head of Year, who oversees the pastoral care and academic development of pupils in the year group. In Upper 3 and Lower 4 (Years 7 & 8), the Heads of Year oversee the pastoral care of their pupils in consultation with the Assistant Head of Junior School and monitor academic progress via regular interaction with subject teachers.

Junior School Council

The Junior School council was set up in September 2010 to replace the Central Committee. Each form in Lower 2 to Lower 4 is represented by two or three councillors, whilst Form 1 classes are represented by Lower 4 pupils who liaise with those in Form 1 to hear their views. The council meets twice a term to discuss ideas raised by pupils about how the school can be improved. Smaller Lower 4 committee meetings are also held with relevant staff to discuss the issues raised.

Junior School Council meetings and subsequent action have so far resulted in more cones and other play equipment being ordered for use at playtime,  a new lego club (Mr Beach now runs this on Friday lunchtimes), ideas to reduce energy consumption and meetings with Aramark to discuss food issues.

 

Upper School

All pupils in the Upper School are grouped in forms depending on the house they are in. The Form Tutor who ideally remains with the form for three years is in the same house. Form Tutors are responsible, with other teaching staff for the delivery of PSHE and Citizenship and for the day to day welfare and progress of their tutees. The PSHE course is an evolving element of their education as it responds to changing circumstances and needs. Specialists visit to give informative talks on health and social education topics. Pupils are given advice when making option choices for GCSE and further guidance is offered as pupils move into the next stage of their education in the Sixth Form here or elsewhere. Close monitoring of personal and academic development is seen as a priority and independent learning skills are encouraged. We aim to develop as quickly as possible, a strong working partnership involving pupils, home and School.

 

Sixth Form

The Head and Assistant Head of Sixth Form co-ordinate a team of eighteen specialist Sixth Form Tutors. Integration and the sharing of experience are top priorities so each tutor group includes both lower and upper sixth students. Newcomers are welcomed to the sixth form and the induction process includes ice-breaking group activities (e.g. bridge building with the Royal Engineers). Sixth formers are expected to take responsibility for themselves in all respects, including study habits, personal appearance, conduct and participation. Our philosophy is very much to let pupils enjoy as much freedom as they can manage at the same time as providing skilled and sympathetic support and advice where they might be appreciated. We pride ourselves particularly on our careers advice and help with UCAS and other applications. Unlike many schools we boast a full-time in-house careers specialist who directs a complete programme of preparation. We are also proud of our record of placing students in courses, and regularly receive very positive feedback from universities and other schools to whom we make recommendations and feed students.