Great importance is placed on the caring aspect of the pastoral programme in our school and we consider this to be the concern of every teacher.
Through our pastoral system, we aim to promote the personal, social and academic development of our pupils. We achieve this by creating a climate in which all our pupils feel secure in the knowledge that, as valued members of the school community, they can give and receive encouragement, guidance and support.
It is important that each pupil’s needs, interests and academic progress are monitored and understood by at least one teacher. Each class has a Form Teacher who can respond to the problems of the individual pupils in that class, and who will help them to benefit from the opportunities that the school has to offer. The pupils and Form Teacher of any year group are supported by a Year Head. For the Junior School, the Year Head can refer any pastoral or behaviour problems to Mr Doonan who is Head of Key Stage 3. Pastoral provision is organised and monitored by the Pastoral Co-ordinator, Mrs Watt, and the Vice-Principals, Mrs Moore and Mrs McKelvey. Pupils in Years 8 and 13 have comprehensive induction programmes to help them settle in to their new school environment. A valuable part of the Year 8 induction programme is “Big School”, a team-building day held at the end of September. This helps those pupils, who are still finding it difficult to make friends, to mix with a wider group in a purposeful environment and to think about the qualities they have to offer in school.
All pupils have a weekly Personal Development Education class taken by their Form Teacher, and Form Teachers of all classes see their class each day for registration. All pupils also have two interviews with their Form Teacher to discuss progress and achievement and set targets for the year.
Arrangements for children who become ill
There is a teacher time-tabled each period to make provision for sick or injured children. In the case of an injury, a qualified member of staff will render emergency first-aid. Ms Hamilton, our library assistant, also assists with pupil welfare. However, we feel that parents will want to take responsibility for their children if they are injured or unwell and we will contact them if necessary.
No tablets or medicines may be issued in school unless a prior arrangement has been made between the pastoral Co-ordinator, Mrs Watt, and the parents of the pupils concerned.
Positions of Responsibility
We encourage a sense of responsibility in all our pupils and they are given the opportunity to develop leadership qualities through serving as prefects, house captains, team captains, or as student representatives in the Students’ Council.
Behaviour
The school takes a positive approach to behaviour management, encouraging good behaviour and respect for self and others. Pupils are expected to apply themselves diligently to their work so that they can benefit from the opportunities the school provides. Pupils who contravene the school rules will be subject to any of a range of remedial measures or sanctions administered through the school’s pastoral/disciplinary system. Parents are contacted as soon as a pupil’s behaviour gives cause for concern. There is a copy of the school rules in the personal organiser. |