Aim
The key aim of our pastoral care system is to support pupils at every stage of their learning and development, helping them to deal with personal issues and to overcome any obstacles which would prevent them reaching their full potential.
Personal Development
On entering the school in Year 8, and continuing throughout their time in LGS, pupils are placed in form classes (tutor groups and tutors in Years 13 & 14) under the care of a form teacher and Head of Year. Form teachers meet the class daily for registration, form assembly 4 out of 5 days and for a 45-minute personal development period on Fridays. They work with pupils and deal with attendance, academic progress and behavioural issues; they are largely responsible for overseeing the social and emotional aspects of learning.
The work of form teachers in each year group is overseen by the Head of Year who is assisted by a member of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT). Heads of Years meet regularly with the Pastoral Vice Principal.
Our close ties with the other schools in the Roe Valley Learning Community result in a number of collaborative projects. In recent years ‘Love for Life’ has been involved with Years 8, 10 and 12 in partly delivering our Relationships and Sexuality Education programme. Support is also offered through the EA Being Well Doing Well programme and the Emotional Wellbeing Teams in School programme (WHSCT).
Anti Bullying
We believe that our school is well disciplined and organised and it can minimise the occurrence of bullying. We have a clear policy on the promotion of good citizenship, where it is made clear that bullying is a form of anti-social behaviour. It is WRONG and will not be tolerated.
Counselling
The school offers strong support for pupils experiencing social or emotional problems. Our counselling team, led by Mrs L McFarland and supported by Heads of Year, is augmented by easy access to external organisations provided by EA HOPE Ascert.
Relationships
Excellent relationships between staff and pupils, both in and out of the classroom, are at the heart of learning and make a major contribution to the social and personal development of pupils. We seek to develop a growing sense of responsibility to self, to school and to the wider community, not least through increased self-discipline. Adherence to our Positive Behaviour Policy is fundamental to ensuring a pleasant experience for the one thousand staff and pupils who enter the school daily.