Pastoral System
The College attaches great importance to the pastoral care of pupils and all members of the College community work together to ensure that academic achievement is integrated with personal, social and spiritual development.
The pastoral system is split into the three schools – Lower School (Key Stage Three), Middle School (Key Stage Four) and Upper School (Key Stage Five).
Form Teacher
All pupils are placed in a form group of approximately 30 pupils. The form teacher will take responsibility for providing pastoral support and guidance to ensure the welfare of members of the form group on a day to day basis.
Deputy Heads of School
Deputy Heads of School have a responsibility for a particular year group and they promote high standards amongst pupils including behaviour and uniform. They work closely with Form Teachers and Heads of School to identify pupil concerns (pastoral, academic and behavioural) and provide the necessary support and intervention to ensure that pupils progress well at school.
Heads of School
Heads of School oversee a particular Key Stage as well as taking responsibility for a year group. They work with Deputy Heads of School to monitor pupil progress and identify pupil concerns providing the necessary support and intervention when required.
Chaplain
The College Chaplain teaches Religious Education throughout the school and co-ordinates the liturgical life of the College. The Chaplain arranges services and special assemblies for major feasts, masses for Holydays of Obligation, and Carol Sevices for Christmas as well as Year Group Masses, etc.
The Chaplain offers counselling support to Pupils, Staff and Parents. The aim is to foster and develop a sense of community and belonging and to help individuals to overcome the difficulties and challenges they are presented with throughout their College career and beyond.
Citizenship
Citizenship lessons are delivered to pupils by their Form Teacher. The aim of the lessons is to help pupils develop a full understanding of their roles and responsibilities as citizens in the wider community. The topics covered within Citizenship include Current Affairs, Global Issues and political participation..
Careers Guidance
Careers Education forms part of a comprehensive Information, Advice and Guidance Programme at the College. It serves to prepare young people for option choices at Key Stage Four and Five. Utilising a range of paper-based and ICT resources available in the two LRCs, pupils can explore their own interests and career opportunities. An extensive programme of talks is arranged every year for pupils to attend, including presenters from universities and industry.
Education for Personal Relationships (EPR)
Education for Personal Relationships is delivered by form teachers and, where appropriate, by visiting speakers. All pupils receive EPR lessons each work during their morning form period. The topics covered are wide ranging and include Healthy Living, Bullying, Disability Awareness and Independent Living.
Aim Higher
Aim Higher is a scheme which aims to engage and motivate learners who have been identified as having the potential to enter Higher Education.
Pupils in Years 9 - 13 take part in activities with the aim of developing their awareness of Post-16 choices and motivating them to consider entering Higher Education.
Some activities are aimed at giving pupils an insight into university life. For instance, a range of University campus visits and residentials take place throughout the year, including a residential to Cambridge University for Year 12 pupils. Year 13 pupils also receive information on Higher Education finance and support with their UCAS application.
Programmes aimed at motivating learners include master classes, subject enrichment and study skills sessions. Pupils also have access to guidance and support from an Aim Higher graduate mentor.