We value students’ happiness and mental wellbeing extremely highly and joy is a key focus in all that we do. We embody this in everything: in lessons, co-curricular activities and form time.
However, we know that things aren’t always easy as students navigate their teenage years, so we have wonderful support in place if things aren’t going quite right.
Tutors are the first port of call if a student is struggling – they see their tutees every day and can identify changes quickly. Always available for a one-to-one chat, tutors are the key person in each student’s daily life, supported by the Assistant Director and Director of Sixth Form.
There is an open door policy at the Wellbeing Hub, where students have access to the school nurses, the counsellor, and the chaplain. We can arrange wellbeing appointments, or counselling sessions dependent on need, with the aim of supporting students through any difficult periods of life.
Perhaps the greatest sense of wellbeing in teenage years comes from the group of friends you make. Students pride themselves on the warm, friendly Common Room where everyone is always welcome. We can’t wait for you will find a spot where you feel comfy and at ease with the company around you, and make friends for life in your two years at the school.
Our support enables girls to succeed to the very best of their ability. Uninhibited, they become confident leaders, ready to take on new challenges. The girls-only Sixth Form environment is key to this and we champion their progress every step of the way.
Skills for Life
Everyone does Skills for Life on the same day and at the same time across the whole school: that’s how important we feel it is. But Skills for Life in Sixth Form is probably a bit different to lower down the school. We regularly invite in external speakers, such as Dr Shilpa McQuillan, who spoke to our students about female health, fertility and the menopause and Ria Kalsi from Matriarch, who provides workshops on topics such as diversity, equity and inclusion, grief, and mental health. Time is also spent working closely with tutors on personal finances, first aid and safe driving. Our aim is for students to head off to university, or the wider world of work, with confidence and a clear understanding of the fundamentals in life.
Mental Health First Aid
As part of our commitment to wellbeing, 20-30 Year 12 students are trained each year as Mental Health First Aiders. There is always a huge amount of interest in this course, and by ensuring that our students are well-versed in first aid they can support each other, and alert staff if they have concerns about friends or peers.
