Pastoral life and wellbeing - Emanuel

We teach our pupils to take responsibility for themselves and others.

We encourage them to develop a strong moral code and make informed judgements about what is right or wrong, to respect each other, to display good behaviour and to promote the importance of caring for others. Pupils are expected to play their part in our community and take pride in their own and other’s achievements.

Pupils are made to feel safe and know that their problems will be listened to and dealt with. They are taught the benefits of a healthy lifestyle through our extensive Life Education programme which helps them to develop the knowledge, skills and understanding they need to live confident, healthy, independent lives and contribute to the common good of society.

The excellent pastoral care is achieved through the dedication of the staff, having high expectations of the pupils and promoting open communication between the school, pupils and parents. Pupils are regularly consulted through school councils, focus groups and surveys. We have an active Parents’ Association and we keep parents and pupils regularly informed as to their progress through reports and parents’ evenings.

Pastoral life and wellbeing

Our pastoral structure

Form tutor

Every pupil at Emanuel is part of a tutor group which consists of approximately 24 pupils and is led by a form tutor, who oversees their holistic life and represents a consistent adult relationship. Tutor groups meet with their form tutor on a daily basis and the form tutor has an overall picture of the pupil’s life at school and an understanding of their life at home. They are the first point of contact for parents if any concerns arise.

Head of year

Beyond the form tutor is a head of year who meets with the form tutors on a regular basis. The head of year is responsible for monitoring pupils’ pastoral welfare, behaviour and general academic performance and will respond to any matters referred by staff, ensuring effective liaison with parents.

Heads of section

The heads of year, in turn, are responsible to the heads of section: Lower School (Hill form and Years 7 and 8), Middle School (Years 9, 10 and 11) and the sixth form. The heads of section provide leadership and advice to their heads of year and form tutors, monitoring the behaviour and performance of pupils in their sections and ensuring the smooth transition between year groups.

School houses

Pupils from Hill form to Year 9 belong to a junior house. Upon reaching Year 10, they are automatically transferred to the connecting senior house. The houses at Emanuel are as follows:

Junior: Clyde (named after Field Marshall Sir Colin Campbell, Lord Clyde 1792-1863)
Senior: Howe (named after Admiral Earl Richard Howe 1726-1799)

Junior: Drake (named after explorer/navigator Sir Francis Drake 1541-1596)
Senior: Nelson (named after Admiral Horatio Nelson, Lord Viscount 1758-1805)

Junior: Lyons (named after Admiral Baron Edmund Lyons 1790-1858)
Senior: Marlborough (named after General John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough 1650-1722)

Junior: Wellington (General and Prime Minister Arthur Wellesley, First Duke of Wellington 1769-1852)
Senior: Rodney (Admiral Lord George Brydges Rodney 1719-1792)

As seen above, each of the school houses is named after a prominent figure in history. The school houses have been in existence since the pupil population was boys only (girls were reintroduced to the school in 1994; now, the balance of boys and girls is approximately 50/50).

Every pupil at Emanuel belongs to a house, which operate vertically throughout the school. Pupils are therefore integrated across year groups and the houses form a basis for much of the in-school sports, competitions and events.

Mental and physical health

Counselling

There is a confidential counselling service at Emanuel which is open to any pupil, with the two counsellors working Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday between them.

Sessions last 30-50 minutes. Pupils are welcome to make an appointment to visit the counsellor to discuss any concerns they may have, without the fear of them being discussed elsewhere. However, if there is any concern for the safety of the child or another person, this information will immediately be passed to the school’s deputy head: pastoral and designated safeguarding lead.

Medical service

The medical room is staffed from 8.30am to 5.00pm, Monday to Friday. Pupils can see the school nurse during the course of the day if they are unwell, or to take any medication that may be prescribed during school hours.

Further information about our medical service can be found on our first aid policy (please refer to our policies).

Chaplaincy

There are two school chaplains who provide spiritual and emotional support for the whole school community.

Pupils attend a chapel assembly once a week. The chapel is open to staff, parents and pupils every day.

Learning support

Emanuel has a dedicated learning support department. Our staff offer support and expertise to help resolve difficulties and promote positive solutions for pupils experiencing barriers to learning. Pupils and parents can access learning support by speaking with their form tutor. The tutor will liaise with subject teachers to review any concerns as they arise.

For more information, please see our learning support policy (please refer to our policies).

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