Pastoral Care

We expect much from our students in terms of personal standards, discipline and attitude. In return we offer students an environment where they feel safe, secure and valued. We know that our students will face many challenges during their time at the Academy, and we believe that our pastoral system provides excellent care, guidance and support.

Students and staff belong to one of six Learning Communities. In Phase 1 pastoral care is delivered by the class teacher. In Phase 2 and the Sixth Form, each community is divided into University Groups of no more than 18, supported by a personal tutor or University Guide.

The Class Teacher or University Guide gets to know the individual student’s interests, skills and needs. They work with the student and their parents/carers to personalise their learning, ensuring the student develops the skills needed for effective learning. The members of a University Group or Class will support and guide each other, sharing experiences and knowledge. We believe that students encouraging one another and offering peer support will further motivate students to succeed. In addition the Learning Communities are used to develop student leadership, competitions, performances and enterprise activities.

Learning Reviews take place throughout the Academy year. In Phase 1 these are meetings with the Class Teacher. In Phase 2 and the Sixth Form University Guides receive information from subject teachers and provide feedback to students and their parents/carers on progress made. Discussions involving the Class Teacher or University Guide, parents/carers and students result in Personal Learning Programmes being developed.

Time is also given to emotional and spiritual development. Class Teachers and University Guides help the students in their care to develop their social, moral and spiritual outlook; this is further reinforced through a weekly Assembly programme.

We encourage our students to take on additional responsibilities to develop their self-confidence, leadership and presentation skills. These include getting involved in the Learning Community and Academy Student Councils, being a Student Ambassador and taking part in assemblies and special Academy events.