Pastoral Care

Supporting every pupil

Pastoral care at Strathearn provides a caring and supportive environment where pupils are given the opportunity to succeed in every aspect of school life.

All members of staff contribute to pastoral care, and our pastoral structure supports pupils as they pursue academic excellence while developing confidence, independence and self-esteem. We aim to equip our pupils with the skills they require to flourish in life beyond the school gates.

Form Tutors

Form Tutors are key figures in Strathearn's pastoral care system. They meet with their form class each morning and it is during these 20 minutes that positive relationships develop.

Through these daily interactions, Form Tutors are able to build a detailed knowledge of the needs, emotional development, progress and academic attainments of each pupil in their form.

They are supported by the wider Pastoral Team, which includes:

  • Heads of Year

  • Learning Support Coordinator (LSC) and LSC Assistant

  • School Health Nurse

  • School Counsellor

  • Pastoral Administrative Assistant

  • Senior Leaders (Pastoral)

  • Vice Principal (Pastoral)

Heads of Year

Each year group is led by a Head of Year who oversees pupils' pastoral wellbeing and academic progress.

They monitor academic attainment across the year group and support pupils to achieve their full potential. They plan and lead Form Tutors in the delivery of a robust and relevant pastoral education programme including:

  • Drug education

  • Health education and wellbeing

  • Relationships and sexuality education

  • Budgeting

  • Meal preparation

  • Managing at home

  • Study skills

  • Employability

  • Personal and Social Development

  • Citizenship

Through our Key Stage 3 IT Curriculum, as well as special events and assemblies, we empower our pupils with the knowledge and skills to keep themselves safe online.

Peer Mentors

Pupils in Junior School (Forms 1 - 3) are supported by Sixth Form pupils who are appointed as Peer Mentors.

Peer Mentors visit form classes each week, helping younger pupils settle into school life while developing pastoral relationships across the school community.

Learning Support

The Learning Support Department is an important part of the pastoral care system at Strathearn.

The Learning Support Coordinator (LSC), LSC Assistant and classroom assistants work in partnership with pupils, parents, subject teachers and external agencies to ensure that pupils with additional educational needs have every opportunity to succeed in line with their peers.

School Counselling Service

The school has a dedicated School Counsellor, provided by Make a Melody through the Education Authority's HOPE service.

The counsellor is available to pupils each week. Counselling can be accessed through the Vice Principal (Pastoral) or by self-referral, and information on how to access this support is shared with pupils throughout the year.

School Health Nurse

Strathearn has a full-time School Health Nurse who provides dedicated medical support to pupils who require it. She is ably supported by a team of First Aiders.

Safeguarding

Safeguarding and child protection are central to the work of the Pastoral Care Team.

Pupils are made aware of who they can contact if they wish to speak to a member of the safeguarding team. Staff and parents can also raise concerns so that appropriate support can be identified.

Designated Teacher for Child Protection

  • Mrs N Sinnerton

Deputy Designated Teachers

  • Mr A Atkinson

  • Ms S Young

  • Mrs N Connery

Designated Governor for Child Protection

  • Mrs L Mallon