Pastoral Care
Each student will be in a Form with other students who take similar subjects and led by an experienced Sixth Form Tutor. This tutor will see the student through from their first day in Sixth Form until the day they leave. Students spend around four hours a week with their tutor group. Amongst basic duties, such as ensuring good punctuality and attendance, the tutor is the first port of call for students seeking support. Tutors will then bring the matter to the attention of the Sixth Form Team.
A decision will be made as to whether the young person needs to have a regular meeting with Mrs Williams to monitor their wellbeing. Perhaps the young person is suffering from anxiety, in which case, they may also be enrolled on a mindfulness programme. We also have a school counsellor who joins the school weekly. Students can be referred to our counsellor if requested. It could be that the concern is one of organisation, in which case we may refer the student for a scheduling support with our Student Development Team
We understand that parenting a young adult is a complex task. The Sixth Form Team value working in partnership with parents. Our aim is to encourage resilience from our Sixth Formers and to give them the support to face the challenges that lie with increased freedom and responsibility. The Sixth Form Team are experienced at liaising with external organisations should a young person need further support from a variety of experts.
The Sixth Form Team:
Abigail Hern: Senior Leader, Director of Sixth Form and Social Sciences Teacher. ahern@opgs.org
Ms Jill Williams: Assistant Director of Sixth Form, Head of Year 13, Careers and Pastoral Lead. Non-teaching member of the Team. jwilliams@opgs.org
Mr Matthew Mayes: Assistant Director of Sixth Form, Head of Year 12, Teacher of Geography, mmayes@opgs.org
Ms Emily Biddle: Enrichment and Community Lead. Psychology Teacher. (Part time) ebiddle@opgs.org
Ms A Rose: Sixth Form Study Supervisor arose@opgs.org