In Fort Hill College, we believe that the protection of children and their welfare is paramount and to this end we maintain strong partnerships with outside agencies, working together to ensure that our pupils are safe and protected in every aspect of their lives.
We continually strive to provide a secure, supportive atmosphere which promotes the development of trust and confidence in an open environment.
Our Child Protection Policy is in line with guidelines set down by the Department of Education. All staff, both teaching and non-teaching, have been given training in child protection procedures and this is updated regularly.
At Fort Hill College we place great emphasis on academic achievement but we also have a strong tradition of Pastoral Care. We recognise the importance of helping pupils to develop into 'complete' young adults who are able to fulfil their potential.
Our Pastoral Programme and the pastoral aspects of the curriculum are designed to give all pupils the opportunity to develop physically, emotionally, socially and spiritually as well as intellectually.
Within our Pastoral Programme, each pupil is assigned a Form Teacher who has daily contact with their class and is well placed to monitor progress and behaviour.
Each Year group is assigned a Head of Year who has the experience and training to offer help and support on a variety of issues. They work closely with Form Teachers and pupils to resolve any problems which may arise, liaising with Senior Staff when necessary.
We recognise the value of our partnership with parents, encouraging and welcoming their involvement in all aspects of their children's life in school.
Within our House System we acknowledge and reward pupils who display positive behaviour in any aspect of school life, awarding bronze, silver and ultimately gold merit badges. Unacceptable behaviour is dealt with promptly and fairly, giving pupils the opportunity to learn from their mistakes and improve.
In Fort Hill, we have high expectations of behaviour from our pupils and our Code of Conduct outlines our extremely structured behaviour policy, forming a 'contract' between home and school. Together, we strive to maintain an ordered community which promotes co-operation and respect with a shared expectation of positive behaviour.
As in any community, we have rewards and sanctions, rules and regulations and high personal standards are encouraged with regard to work, appearance and conduct. Pupils are expected to display good manners and thoughtful, respectful behaviour at all times, treating others as they would wish to be treated.
In Fort Hill College, we believe that bullying is any intentional actions, verbal or non-verbal which leads to emotional pressure, physical threat or direct attack, resulting in unhappiness, fear or intimidation.
Staff are committed to our anti-bullying code. This states our intent to safeguard the welfare of all pupils entrusted to us and to protect them from harm.
It is our belief that every pupil has the right to be educated in a caring, supportive environment free from intimidation. Pupils should be allowed to develop their confidence and self-esteem in an atmosphere of mutual respect. Our Pastoral System gives the opportunity for discussion and disclosure of incidents of bullying, enabling us to act quickly when alerted to a problem. We do not tolerate any level of bullying and treat seriously any incidence reported to us, listening and supporting the victim.
We encourage pupils to speak out against bullying and to recognise and report anything which concerns them. We have in place an effective team of senior pupils known as 'Buddies', who can offer support and guidance to other pupils who may need help. | 