The importance of pastoral care
Andrew Russell Headmaster, St David’s College
After the turbulent past two years,
Modern families want their children to be
school production or concert. Continued
the need for excellent pastoral care
educated in a nurturing environment where
support and guidance prepares pupils for
has never been more important. Since
they can learn in a family atmosphere.
the world after they leave school. Providing
it was established in 1965, St David’s
Matrons traditionally had an important part
opportunities to grow, work as a team,
College has always placed enormous
to play in the pastoral structure of boarding
develop resilience and leadership skills, and
value in focusing on the individual and
schools and although the role – and often the
most importantly the will to never give up, will
supporting each pupil to realise the
title – has changed in many schools, there
help to carry each pupil throughout their life.
potential of their own gifts – giving them
remains a need for someone outside the
the freedom to flourish.
academic staff to provide this pastoral role.
With the shift to online learning during the
How this is achieved varies from school to
COVID-19 pandemic, the need to adapt
school.
pastoral care provision to digital platforms
When parents are looking for the right
increased. Taking time to do fun things has
boarding school for their family, three of the
TWO-WAY COMMUNICATION Two-way communication between pastoral staff/houseparents and pupils is key. Pupils must feel comfortable enough to go to staff with any worries or concerns. Staff strive to get to know their pupils as well as possible and make themselves available to them – in the case of houseparents, this can be 24/7.
helped to engage pupils by breaking up long
its best when the pupils are at the centre
Feedback from pupils about their thoughts on
When every child feels safe in the knowledge
of everything the school does. Pastoral
pastoral care provision is critical. They are the
that they are a valued member of the
care programmes consider many different
ones who are experiencing the care and their
community, their true potential can be
elements of a pupil’s life in the school.
feelings will be important in making sure the
discovered, nurtured and given the freedom
Physical activity, social inclusion, emotional
support provides exactly what they need. This
to flourish.
support and intellectual development are
is why an open dialogue between pupils and
all key to the happiness of any child in an
staff is so important.
most important questions they usually have are: Where will my child sleep? What will they eat? Who will support them? In the past, support may have been academically focused but now more than ever there is a need for pastoral support. Pastoral care is a school commitment to
periods working at a screen. Schools have encouraged children to be active away from their screens by offering lockdown activities and challenges and encouraging them to engage in school community apps. This has helped pupils feel involved and part of the school community when learning remotely.
the wellbeing of every pupil and is always at
independent school. Happy, content children with a positive attitude are more likely to
Genuinely exceptional pastoral care is
approach their studies with focus and a
constant and permeates throughout a
willingness to learn.
pupil’s educational experience. Pastoral care can be in the classroom, part of co-curricular activities, on outdoor education expeditions or during preparations for a
Andrew Russell became Headmaster of St David’s College in 2017. After studying accounting and economics at the University of Southampton, Andrew was an accountant before becoming a teacher. He joined St David’s 29 years ago and during that time he has been Head of Maths, Head of Careers, Tryfan Housemaster, Assistant Head and Deputy Head. He was drawn to St David’s because it combines his passions – teaching and being in the outdoors.
