Content
Introduction
Pastoral SystemStudents are organised into Tutor Groups and Year Teams which, as far as possible, remain together for the five years of the students' schooling. This means that there should be continuity throughout a student's time in school, with a Tutor and Year Head who get to know each individual student well and can support and encourage them through their secondary school career.
Tutorial time contributes to PSHE by helping to promote the skills and knowledge necessary for students to develop confidence and make the most of their abilities through:
- helping students to learn from their experiences and reflect on them in tutor reviews
- the review of progress and the setting of targets in the 'Next Step' process and through their planners
- the recognition of improved student performance in its widest sense.
Attached to each tutor group are two members of the Student Consultative Committee who liaise and communicate over issues with the group and the committee and play an important part in creating a supportive environment for our students.
The tutorial arrangements at Key Stages 3 and 4 are concerned with ensuring that the progress of all our students is monitored and the appropriate support given. The Tutor and Head of Year are central to the process and through the daily tutor periods will be involved in checking:
- student planners
- homework
- attendance and punctuality
- uniform
- the application of the school's Code of Responsibility and Classroom Expectations
Throughout Key Stage 3, tutorial time is also used to promote literacy through a Reading Certification Scheme. Students are encouraged to record personal achievements through the Student's Progress file. All students take part in an ICT programme in tutorial time; this includes an introduction to the network, finding information using books, CD-ROMs and the Internet and, where necessary, keyboard skills.
At Key Stage 4, tutorial time is also used to record personal progress using ICT to produce a Record of Achievement and Curriculum Vitae. These documents are used to inform discussions about post-16 choices.