Pastoral organisation The tutor group When your child enters the school s/he will join a tutor group of about 30 students. In the Lower School the tutor group is the main social and learning base. After consultation with primary school staff, each group is carefully chosen to include children with different skills and abilities and from several primary schools. The tutor It is vital that there is at least one person who knows your child well and maintains an overview of progress both academic and social. Through regular sessions each week a tutor will get to know members of his/her group and guide them through the important decisions of their school life. In the Sixth Form each student participates in a regular pattern of individual interviews with their tutor. The year group Each tutor group is part of a larger year group. The Head of Year and Assistant Head of Year lead and support the team of tutors. They plan a programme of assemblies, tutor sessions and individual guidance with tutors to ensure that students are making progress in all aspects of their learning. The positive approach We recognise and value the different skills, abilities and qualities of all our students. We aim to make them feel good about themselves and proud of their school. Students learn best when: ~ they know what is expected of them ~ they are encouraged to learn and are given opportunities for success ~ they are consistently, fairly and appropriately treated when things go wrong. Our staff contribute by: ~ letting students know we like and respect them ~ providing appropriate learning schemes and materials ~ praising and encouraging as much as possible ~ publicising and rewarding achievement and good behaviour ~ showing a sense of humour.