Wellbeing and Pastoral Care in the Senior School
At Ipswich High School, we are deeply proud of the welcome and caring atmosphere created by our pupils and staff. Our ‘small school’ feel ensures that each pupil is known, valued and cared for as an individual.
“Pastoral Care is just as important as our academic and enrichment provision,and sits alongside them to ensure that each pupil receives a broad, balanced education in a supportive and positive environment.” – Ms Extance, Head of Senior School
There is an incredibly experienced Pastoral Team here at Ipswich High School. They work closely with parents to ensure all pupils are fully supported throughout their time with us. The team includes: the Head, Deputy Head, Head of Senior School, Head of Sixth Form and Head of Prep School, as well as the Heads of Year, Form Tutors, and the School Nurse.
Our School Nurse is in attendance every day, during school hours, to provide support in the medical rooms and to contribute to the pastoral care of all our pupils. For our boarders, there are the live-in House Parents and Matron who are available 24 hours a day.
Considerable thought is put into integrating new pupils into our school community. Therefore, each newcomer will attend several Taster or Induction Days in the lead up to their first term to allow them to become familiar with the school campus, meet their teachers and for friendships to flourish.
We have a specialist team of Year 7 Tutors who provide invaluable support to pupils to ease the transition into the Senior School. All Year 7 pupils are invited to attend Induction Days, while special introductory events are organised for parents of Year 7 pupils to give them the opportunity to meet the Tutors, teachers, Head and Senior Leadership Team.
Year 9 pupils usually need additional support and advice when discussing GCSE options. Form Tutors are there to provide this advice, in conjunction with the Head of Year, to make this less daunting.
As part of the Pastoral curriculum in the Senior School, pupils enjoy various Wellbeing initiatives including: Wellbeing Week, Teambuilding Days, Outdoor Escapades, Wellbeing Assemblies and our daily Enrichment Programme.
The PSHE Programme is delivered by a dedicated team, as well as external speakers, as part of the Pastoral curriculum. Topics include: relationships, values, deadlines and revision techniques, puberty, money, dealing with conflict, managing change, safety (including online safety) and friendships.
As pupils move through the school, they will undertake training to become Peer Mentors who are able to support our younger pupils.
We also have a full-time professional counselling service available to our pupils should they want to access this support.
Designated Safeguarding Lead: Ms Kaye Extance, Head of Senior School
Senior School Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead: Mrs Wendy Offord, Safeguarding Manager & Head of Careers (LRC)
