Pastoral Care & Learning Support

Pastoral Care

General pastoral care is provided by every member of staff, but each pupil is cared for more specifically by the Form Tutor/Teacher, who monitors academic progress and emotional well-being. The Form Tutor/Teacher should be the first person to whom a pupil turns for help or advice. The Form Tutor/Teacher can refer a matter to the relevant Head of Year, to the Pastoral Counselling Team or to the Head of Sixth Form.

Pupils can see the Pastoral Care Team about concerns such as friendships, family life, bereavement, food issues, motivation and selfesteem. Staff use counselling skills with pupils and follow guidelines approved by the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy.

The School Nurse is available to discuss health or other matters.

Learning Support

At Merchant Taylors’ we strive to provide a caring and supportive environment for each of our pupils. We aim to develop self-esteem, confidence and resilience as well as addressing the needs of the whole child. We recognise pupils of all abilities may experience obstacles to learning and we treat each child as an individual, providing them with personalised learning and the support they require to flourish and achieve their maximum potential.

Lower School (Year 7-9)

Pupils are assessed through a screening program which provides a unique and individual learning profile for each of our pupils. It ensures we identify strengths to be celebrated and utilised in the pupils’ learning, and assist in the early identification of any areas of need allowing us to provide early personalised support to ensure each pupil achieves and flourishes at Merchant Taylors’.

Middle School (Year 10-11)

Mentoring and monitoring are vital components as our pupils approach or start their GCSE studies; we provide guidance with revision and study skills, as well as developing specific areas of need for the individual pupil. Support is provided within the pupil’s timetable with support lessons from a Specialist Learning Support Teacher

Sixth Form

Our students are provided with support in the transition to A-Level studies, developing study skills and helping with organisation. We also work closely with the Head of Sixth Form and careers to ensure our students are aware of the support available for them as they progress onto their next step in life, ensuring they are familiar with assistive technologies and the Disabled Student Allowance process for University.

Using the School library

We have a well-equipped library with books and multimedia resources relating to all areas of the School curriculum.

You have access to the Internet from the Library computer system.

There is a wide selection of fiction and reference material as well as subject books.

You will become increasingly familiar with the Library as pupils in the Lower School have English lesson time dedicated to using the Library, and some subject teachers use it for topic and project work.

it is great place to read, learn and catch up with the news. Newspapers are delivered to the library each day.

If you need help with research, ask our Librarian. She will be pleased to assist.

Please remember that the Library is a quiet place in school and that pupils are always expected to respect this. We should conduct ourselves accordingly, in silence.