Pastoral

Pastoral

Glengormley High School is proud of its reputation for the support given to students. Our staff is committed to the development and well-being of every pupil in our care. The innovative implementation of a vertical tutor system in which every student has daily contact with a Form Tutor and students from every year group provides opportunities for students to develop connections with peers throughout the school family. The Form tutor will monitor academic progress and maintain a vital first point of contact for each student and their home, encouraging all to play a full part within school and the wider community. Each tutor group is designated to one of our 5 Pastoral Learning Groups through which we promote a positive behaviour policy rewarding achievement in line with our high expectations of effort, behaviour, attendance and participation.

The strength of a Pastoral team is reflected in their knowledge of individuals and their response to the whole range of needs of our students. With individual progress and success at the core they work with all agencies, both in and out of school, to ensure policies regarding student welfare, care and guidance are practised throughout all areas of the school.

The school also places great emphasis on the provision of advice and support for students to manage the wide spectrum of issues they face as they prepare for adult life.

In addition to support from the Form Tutor, Pastoral Learning Leader and classroom staff all students can access Sixth Form students who have received training to operate as Peer Mentors. They relate to students and encourage them to develop their awareness and understanding of their thoughts and feelings, equipping them to take responsibility for their own futures and to make positive choices. This supports students through concerns such as subject choices for future study and bullying and is overseen under the scope of the relevant school policies.

School Council

The School Council system at Glengormley High School is an important aspect of school life which ensures that pupils have a say in exactly what matters to them the most. The opportunity for interaction between pupils, teachers and other adults through the School Council has a positive impact on relationships, attainment and discipline. High levels of pupil involvement and care help pupils feel better integrated and motivated. The primary aim of the School Council is to improve the quality of school life. The School Council is run by the pupils, together with Mr Patterson. The council consists of ten representatives (two from each Pastoral Learning Groups). Elections for membership of the Full School Council take place early in the Autumn term of each academic year.

Do you want to be a Representative?

Reps are elected by their form class to represent those people who elected them. They act as a link between their class and the full school council. Reps have to be willing and able to put forward other people’s views even if they disagree with them.

What kind of person makes a good rep?

• Approachable
• Good listener – everyone in the class has to feel comfortable talking to you
• Organised – it will be your responsibility to make sure meetings happen in your class on a regular basis
• Assertive – the opinions of your class are just as important as everyone else’s
• Efficient – class discussions must cover a lot of issues in a short space of time
• Fair – everyone has the right to express a point of view
• Good communicator – you need to be able to work with staff and students from across the school

So if I were a rep what would I actually have to do?

As a rep you have three main jobs:

• Collecting the views of your class and passing them on to other committees
• Letting your class know what goes on in the meetings you attend
• Taking an active part in meetings.