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Pastoral
Introduction
Our leading pastoral care is a distinctive strength of the Lower School, and it is widely recognised for its warmth, consistency and impact. We believe that when pupils feel a sense of belonging, acceptance, and purpose, they are more likely to thrive.
Our approach ensures that pastoral care remains at the heart of life in the Lower School, and this allows pupils to flourish in their individual interests and other areas of school life. We know that our pupils have so much to look forward to every day and this is evidenced by the happy faces and excitement as they arrive at school.
Our pastoral care isn’t just about providing support when needed; it’s about actively helping pupils grow the confidence, character and skills they need to navigate friendships, challenges and new experiences with kindness, courage and resilience.
We believe that providing pupils with opportunities of responsibility allows them a sense of agency, and a chance to demonstrate leadership qualities. We particularly encourage Junior pupils to contribute to the wider life of school through various monitor roles, contributing to House duties, and being a buddy to new pupils.
Pastoral care is most effective when school and families work together in partnership and our outstanding pastoral care stems from a strong focus on individuals, balanced with our sense of community. We know our pupils and their families extremely well, and just as importantly, pupils know, trust and feel secure with our staff and this mutual trust creates a safe and supportive environment where pupils can explore, grow, and develop. As well as a team of warm and caring form tutors, pupils are supported by a variety of specialist staff including a dedicated Health and Wellbeing officer and school counsellors, which create a strong support network around each pupil and family.
Form Tutors and Houses
Form Tutors play a crucial role in the provision of pastoral care for pupils in the Lower School. They provide a point of daily contact, and monitor work and welfare. We regard as crucial this fostering of positive, constructive relationships between home and school, and the Form Tutors act as a conduit through which information passes between pupils, parents and teachers.
Boys and girls in the Lower School are encouraged to be fully involved in school life and to reach their full potential. They are closely monitored by their Form Tutors who set time aside each day to offer support and advice if it is needed.
Every boy and girl is a member of a House. These are named after the historic gates of Norwich - Conisford, Heigham and Magdalen. There are regular contests between the Houses as well as weekly recognition for gaining the most House Stars.
The healthy rivalry between the Houses develops team spirit and a proprietary sense of pride. The House environment provides each individual with caring and comprehensive support. You can read more about our houses here.
The Lower School encourages and initiates regular communication between home and school. All pupils have a prep diary in which parents can leave notes for the Form Tutor. Parents can drop into the school during the mornings to speak with a teacher, or phone the Lower School Secretary to make an appointment. There are also opportunities for formal reporting during the year in the form of end-of-term reports and Parents’ Evenings in November, March and June.
