Our aim with pastoral care in the Sixth Form is to enable and encourage individuals to take greater responsibility for their progress, conduct, time management and future plans. It also aims to challenge individuals and encourage them to make a positive contribution to the school and wider community. We work closely with parents, especially if any particular concerns arise for an individual, and we acknowledge individual and group achievements through reports, assemblies and congratulatory meetings with the Headmistress. The structure which supports this is as follows:
Sixth Form tutor groups: - are a combination of Yr 12 and Yr 13 students (usually eight of each) and a mixture of A Level and IB students, so that individuals are always aware of other students’ experiences. - Two tutors are allocated to each group, with each tutor taking responsibility for certain individuals, enabling a close, supportive relationship to be established. - There are regular individual sessions between tutees and tutors, which are timed to give additional support in making major decisions. Each student is encouraged to reflect on and evaluate her progress, and is issued with a handbook in which to do this and record her individual targets. Several other staff are available in their offices for any student to consult or be referred to, particularly the Director of Sixth Form, the Director of University Admissions and their assistants. Much general and individual advice is given regarding Higher Education. The School Nurse is available in the Medical Block and she can make appointments on behalf of students with the School Counsellor (who is in school on two days each week) and the School Doctor.