Pastoral Care and Personal Development

The emphasis on pastoral care is fundamental to the life of the College. We aim to provide a friendly environment, in which students are cared for as individuals in an atmosphere of mutual respect and understanding between teachers and students. For students to succeed academically and to develop their full potential, it is important that they develop strong self-esteem and are encouraged to set and meet their own high standards of achievement and behaviour.

Each student has a personal tutor, who is a member of a team of tutors under the guidance of Year Coordinators, who report directly to the Deputy Head (Pastoral). The Headmaster has an open-door policy and takes a personal interest in every student.

The tutor's role is to support each student's personal development, encouraging them to make best use of their time and talents, to examine moral issues, to have confidence in their own ideas and opinions, to learn to work effectively with others, and to develop the maturity and judgement to overcome personal problems and manage difficult situations. In Years 1-4, this is reinforced in the classroom through a weekly lesson called Personal, Social and Moral Education (PSME). This includes Civics or Citizenship and is led by Form Tutors, with occasional talks or presentations by outside speakers.

The College has access to the services of a School Doctor and School Psychologist, whom students or parents may consult if the need arises.