Games 07 Pastoral Support in the GCSE years

PASTORAL SUPPORT IN THE GCSE YEARS

The Year 10 and 11 Pastoral program is designed to guide students to make wise and effective choices for their future lives. The transition from Year 9 to Year 10 is a big step and as a school we aim to support our students from the very beginning. Form Hour and Choice are key opportunities to understand this transition and enhance student understanding of their GCSE subjects as well as engage students in a range of enriching activities.

Both Year 10 and 11 have Form Hour and PSHE combined in one lesson. It is led by their form tutor, who plays a crucial role as a mentor, coach and guide for the individuals in their form.

Year 10 Form Hour includes a programme on Well Being, Healthy Choices, Sex, Gender and Relationships. In addition, outside specialists deliver a program on how to study, providing effective revision techniques which are useful for GCSE. In Year 11 Form Hour, the students learn about how to create balance in their lives in terms of managing their time, continuing to exercise, eating healthily, sleeping well and maintaining key relationships - all whilst focusing on their GCSEs. We also deliver a unit on Drugs, Alcohol and the Law which helps guide student behaviour outside the classroom. In addition, each student is given very specific guidance and support on an individual basis, on how to make the best possible choices post-GCSE.

Choice occurs every Wednesday afternoon and offers a choice of both extending academic opportunities, health and well-being workshops as well as key volunteering roles in the local community.

At KAS, the promotion of emotional and psychological well-being of students is a high priority. The school has a team of well-trained professionals to support students if they have social, emotional or academic concerns.

GAMES

In Year 10 and 11, students continue to access a weekly Games program which has a main focus on fun and enjoyment. The Games program is designed specifically for students to have autonomy over the sports and activities they would like to participate in at KAS throughout this time. Sports such as Basketball, Football and Netball continue to be an option for the more competitive students alongside noncompetitive alternatives such as Dance-Fit, Orienteering and Foot-Golf.

The Games program is led primarily by the PE Department with some more focused sessions lead by the Dance Specialist and other visiting teachers (e.g. Yoga). Continuing Physical Activity throughout the GCSE years creates an opportunity for students to work collaboratively with one another, create healthy habits and improve their overall wellbeing. At KAS, we ensure our activity offerings are developed with feedback from students, and utilise off-site facilities where possible.