Providing Effective Pastoral Support
It is often difficult to say where academic guidance ends and pastoral care begins, but we usually think of pastoral support as that which considers the mental and emotional well-being of the student and the general welfare of the student.
The provision of pastoral care can impact on learning through improving a student’s mental and emotional well-being and through creating a culture in which mistakes can be acknowledged and valued as learning experiences. At Fulbright College, we also believe that ultimately, good pastoral care may lead to better examination results, improved student retention and completion rates, reduced psychological stress and increased student satisfaction.
What are the aims of the service?
Our aim is to identify any concerns or issues at the earliest possible opportunity and remove any barriers to learning which may be preventing our students from reaching their potential.
We pride ourselves in knowing our young people well and working alongside the teaching and support staff we aim to develop positive relationships with them and their families. We respond as quickly as possible to any issues and ensure that difficulties are discussed and resolved in the best possible way.
Our Pastoral Support Team at Fulbright College offers help and support in the following areas:
- in identifying and achieving career and professional aspirations;
- behaviour support/management
- emotional help (including anger management and counselling)
- academic support (including intervention work, extended work experience specialised timetables and programmes)
- peer mediation
- links to specialist external agencies when needed
- motivational groups
- applying for jobs, scholarships or bursaries;
- with special educational needs (such as dyslexia or dyspraxia);
- with physical or sensory impairment or disability;
- with mental health or emotional difficulties;
- with accommodation or visa issues;
- who have been subject to bullying or harassment; and
- in other personal or professional circumstances.
Who gives Pastoral Support?
The pastoral system is the responsibility of the Deputy Head teacher who oversees all staff working in this context with our young people. The Grade Tutor is always the first point of contact for parents/carers regarding any concerns or issues.
The Pastoral Team has many years of combined experience working with young people and providing academic and emotional support in a variety of ways. The pastoral staff knows the students extremely well and continuously monitor their progress in all aspects of school life.
For any students causing concern, referrals for support and intervention can be made by the pastoral support team, classroom teachers, parents/carers, support staff and the students themselves through a self‐referral process.
How do Parents/Carers contact the Pastoral Service at Fulbright College?
The first point of contact should be the Grade Tutor followed by Deputy Head teacher. They can be contacted on (+39)3342628909.
