Connecting Vertically

Sir Ken Robinson identified that the ‘core purpose of education is to help [students] build up the mental, emotional, social and strategic resources to enjoy challenges and cope well with uncertainty and anxiety.’ Teenagers are complex human beings and as a school we need to be prepared to support, guide, educate and discuss the issues that matter to them. Pastoral care ensures that our students are equipped with the skills and experiences to positively approach social and emotional growth; to face adversities with a growth mindset and thrive as part of a connected community.

Connecting vertically is a strategic direction for the College in response to a review of our pastoral care programs and structures. Vertical tutor groups were created to enrich the connections students have with one another across different year levels and foster opportunities to deal with uncertainties and challenges in a supportive environment. Students are connected by House groups and peers who range in age groups from Year 7 – Year 12. Students will have access to two adults, their tutor (a secondary teacher) and a co-tutor (another adult from within the school community) who will get to know them as a learner and an individual as they journey through the secondary school together. This holistic approach ensures that authentic and meaningful relationships are created between the student, family and staff member; opening the door for rich conversations and collaborative partnerships. The tutor and co-tutor become active advocates and informal mentors to the students in their care.

Dr Shelja Sen, an adolescent mental health specialist, identified that ‘Our children are active change-makers who can help us grow and become a more conscious, aware and mindful society.’ Within vertical tutor groups students are empowered to take on leadership roles and act as mentors, problem solving with their peers. They will have an active voice in the way pastoral sessions are run, guided by the four College values: community, empowerment, courage and excellence. Each value is linked to a particular House. The pastoral program embeds each of these values as a theme per term to empower students, as part of a values led learning culture, to make a difference within the school and wider community. At the heart of vertical tutor groups is an inclusive community working together to enrich the lives of one another.

‘Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all’ - Aristottle

By Juliane Hallam Head of Secondary School