Page 13 - Sixth Form prospectus 2020

PASTORAL CARE

Keswick School is committed to providing a strong and supportive system of pastoral care. We aim
to provide the guidance, support and direction which will enable the students gradually to assume
more responsibility for their own learning and conduct and so leave for higher education or the
world of work as independent, confident and effective young people.

Each student is allocated to a tutor group of about 25 students and remains with the same tutor
throughout their time in the Sixth Form. The Head of Sixth Form is responsible for the overall
pastoral care of the students, supported by the Heads of Year who take immediate charge of
alternate year groups. Each form has an experienced Form Head (tutor) who works closely with
students on a day to day basis.

Staff work hard to establish a good relationship with each student and the Sixth Formers are
encouraged to express their views on all issues.

OFSTED reported: “Care, guidance and support in the Sixth Form are outstanding. Students
flourish in an environment that encourages them to aim high. Students are full of praise for the
support and guidance they receive to help them formulate their plans for the future.”

Role of parents

Parents continue to have a vital role to play in supporting the students, and in working with the
school to ensure their success.

The Sixth Form team monitors the progress of the students in lessons and supervised private
study. A number of formal assessments and reviews take place at structured intervals throughout
the year and parents are invited and encouraged to share in an involvement in students’ progress
through the Sixth Form. Meetings are held through the school year to enable parents to meet
with tutors and teaching staff. In addition, regular reports are sent home.

We ask for letters explaining absences from school and parents are strongly encouraged to contact
the school to discuss any matter concerning welfare or progress. If there are particular concerns,
special reports can be prepared at short notice.

The pastoral and teaching staff are always happy to meet with parents and you are invited to ring
the school to make an appointment.

We envisage that, over their two years in the Sixth Form, students are able and willing to take an
increasing responsibility for their own learning and progress. Both school and parents can adjust
their roles accordingly.