Dorset, Somerset &amp; Bristol


<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="677" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/Royal-High-School-Wellbeing-Dog-3.jpg" alt="royal high school bath girls with dog" class="wp-image-77775" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/Royal-High-School-Wellbeing-Dog-3.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/Royal-High-School-Wellbeing-Dog-3-800x542.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/Royal-High-School-Wellbeing-Dog-3-400x271.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/Royal-High-School-Wellbeing-Dog-3-768x520.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/Royal-High-School-Wellbeing-Dog-3-775x525.jpg 775w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>When choosing a school, parents are often very interested to find out about the pastoral provision that will be available for their child. And with good reason; a strong pastoral system can help a child to feel safe, secure and happy, while studies show that pupils with positive mental health and wellbeing are likely to achieve better academically.</p>



<p>We asked Elizabeth Cunningham, Deputy Head (Pastoral) at Royal High School Bath, about the importance and value of pastoral care in schools. The <a href="https://www.royalhighbath.gdst.net/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Royal High School Bath</a> is part of the GDST (Girls’ Day School Trust),  the UK’s leading family of 25 independent girls’ schools.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-is-pastoral-care-so-important">Why is pastoral care so important?&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Pastoral and academic success go hand in hand – without strong pastoral care, students struggle to flourish academically and can suffer socially.&nbsp; Our school is a day and boarding school and our job is to provide all the support required to empower girls to truly believe in themselves and value their contribution to the wider school community, and in time, the wider world.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/royal-high-school-Year-7-2022-23-Uniform.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-77781" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/royal-high-school-Year-7-2022-23-Uniform.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/royal-high-school-Year-7-2022-23-Uniform-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/royal-high-school-Year-7-2022-23-Uniform-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/royal-high-school-Year-7-2022-23-Uniform-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/royal-high-school-Year-7-2022-23-Uniform-787x525.jpg 787w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Our students have ready access to a network of pastoral support in school starting from the day they join us in our Nursery or Reception classes, all the way through to Sixth Form. At each stage, girls are encouraged to challenge themselves, make mistakes and learn how to put things right. No one is perfect, and the brains of young people do not work in the same way as adults’ brains – they&#8217;re not wired the same and do not stop developing until the mid-20s.  </p>



<p>The risk-taking part of the brain is the dominant force in a teen brain, so young people behave in ways that adults would not necessarily do. It is therefore, inevitable, that they will get things wrong. Growing up is harder for young people nowadays, particularly with the constant pressure of social media and its portrayal of unattainable perfection. Our pastoral team challenges these ideas with students, so that their views are rooted in ‘normality’. The pursuit of perfection is highly detrimental to mental wellbeing and something we work very hard to counter.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What can be put into place and what are the most effective methods to aid pastoral care?</h2>



<p>At Royal High School Bath we&#8217;ve developed special areas of the school dedicated to wellbeing – known as The Hive – where students can have quiet time, relax, gather their thoughts and reflect.&nbsp; Some students simply do not thrive in the noisy and energetic atmosphere of a busy school, so having a quiet space to escape to is restorative and enormously beneficial.  &nbsp;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1500" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/royal-high-school-226A7325.jpg" alt="royal high school bath schoolgirls playing a game" class="wp-image-77778" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/royal-high-school-226A7325.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/royal-high-school-226A7325-533x800.jpg 533w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/royal-high-school-226A7325-667x1000.jpg 667w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/royal-high-school-226A7325-267x400.jpg 267w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/royal-high-school-226A7325-768x1152.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/royal-high-school-226A7325-350x525.jpg 350w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Conversely, it is important that students have outdoor areas where they can run off their energy and, quite simply, play. These creative and physical outlets for young people are of paramount importance in our digital age of technology and social media. Any opportunity for students to be away from screens and out in the fresh air will do much for mental wellbeing. We are really fortunate to have wonderful outdoor spaces at both our Prep and Senior Schools and students take full advantage of them all. &nbsp;</p>



<p>Underpinning both of these elements is a tutor, who acts as a ‘champion’ to help guide and encourage students through school life.  Tutors work hand in hand with a team of Wellbeing Angels; staff from across the whole school, not just teaching staff, who are available to support should they be called upon. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">How can a strong pastoral system help children thrive in school?</h2>



<p>I would say that our pastoral system holds kindness at the heart of what we do. We never lose sight of this core value. School should be a nurturing environment where students are known and can flourish, becoming confident and equipped to take on life’s challenges.&nbsp; Children become more confident, stronger emotionally and with a greater moral compass with which to take on the turbulent 21st century world.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">How should pastoral care be put into place across the school?</h2>



<p>Consistency is key, kindness is essential, and staff working to support and encourage students completes the circle. A strong class teacher for younger years, and tutoring system in the Senior School that allows, where possible, for tutors to continue to support students through their school journey is extremely beneficial. Thorough transition programmes as children move between key stages, particularly from junior to senior years, and a shared language to ensure consistency, helps to ease the challenges they face.</p>


Pastoral care in schools: why is it important?

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