OUR HOLISTIC APPROACH IN THE SENIOR SCHOOL
Clifton High School is renowned for the high level of pastoral care its staff community affords each pupil.
Pupil and parent expectations, together with the natural onset of emotional and physical changes, require adjustment and understanding within the care of the School environment.
Mr Luke Goodman - Senior Deputy Head: Pastoral / Designated Safeguarding Lead
At Clifton High School, we recognise that the Senior School years bring significant changes as pupils grow in confidence, independence and self-awareness. Our warm and nurturing community encourages pupils to enjoy the richness of their childhood while being provided with the support and guidance required to develop a true sense of self. Every success is celebrated, whether academic, sporting or co-curricular, creating an environment where achievement in all its forms is valued and embraced.
Throughout this important stage of adolescence, our pupil-centred approach is underpinned by strong relationships between pupils and their Form Tutors, who play a pivotal role in the Senior School experience. They are inspired to aim high, embrace new challenges and experience the satisfaction of accomplishing goals they may never have thought possible. Form Tutors, working closely with subject teachers, develop a genuine understanding of each individual, enabling them to offer thoughtful guidance, encouragement and challenge, both academically and beyond the curriculum.
Pupils meet in small tutor groups, supported by two tutors, offering a 10:1 ratio, with open lines of communication. Working closely with their tutor, they set SMART targets at the start of every term, with regular one-to-one sessions to review progress, discuss wellbeing and celebrate successes. This pastoral approach is responsive to the distinct needs of Senior School pupils, ensuring that the right guidance is provided at each stage of their development.
Regular communication with parents through reports, meetings and our open-door approach further strengthens the partnership between home and School, helping every pupil to thrive. In doing so, we encourage young people to listen to different perspectives, express their own views respectfully and develop an increasing awareness of themselves and the world around them.
We implement the following provisions:
- Form Tutors work collectively with subject teachers to administer and oversee an additional level of pastoral support for Senior School pupils' academic, social and emotional progress to be monitored.
- Pupils meet in small groups of ten or fewer with their Form Tutor to uphold a partnership that focuses on effective communication. An insight into the individual allows Form Tutors to mentor academically and beyond the curriculum.
- Fortnightly 1-2-1 tutor periods between pupils and their Form Tutor are dedicated time slots that allow time to discuss academic progress, wellbeing and any concerns a pupil may have encountered.
- An appreciation for the two quite distinct year-group phases between Year 7 and 9, and Year 10 and 11, helps Senior School staff members and Form Tutors act as a voice of reason or correction throughout the duration of a pupil's education in these years.
- Regular interaction and communication with parents through written reports, meetings and an open-door policy.
Health & Wellbeing Lessons
As part of Clifton High School's Senior School education, we actively promote personal wellbeing and development through a comprehensive Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) Education Program, known as Health and Wellbeing.
These vital lessons are implemented to provide young people with the knowledge, understanding, strategies and practical skills to lead safe, healthy and productive lives and to meet their full potential.
Pupils receive Health and Wellbeing education in an age-appropriate manner, underpinned by the School's ethos and values of Curiosity, Empathy, Love and Direction. Lessons adhere to Government policy guidance and are monitored and reviewed regularly by our wellbeing staff members, Counsellor and the Council of Governors.
Feedback from parents is also vital in shaping our Health and Wellbeing curriculum to prepare pupils for life beyond School so they are socially, emotionally and academically secure.
To view a sample Health & Wellbeing timetable, click the link below:
SAMPLE HEALTH & WELLBEING TIMETABLE
Community values continue to sit at the heart of Clifton High School's pastoral ethos. We remain connected to families through Parent Partnership Events that include social interaction and talks, where guest speakers are invited to address parents on relevant wellbeing and pastoral topics.
Our Parent Focus Groups also invite a collaborative approach to a Senior School pupil's education at Clifton High School, so that everyone feels confident in the scaffolding we construct to keep pupils safe and secure throughout their School day.
Our School values of Curiosity, Empathy, Love and Direction are threaded through all elements of a pupil's learning. They are more than words; they are behaviours that become second nature to our pupils and are fundamental to what it means to be part of our Clifton High School. We are 'Beyond a School; A Place to Belong'.
