Pastoral Care
All parents spoke warmly of the pastoral system. Pupils described the school as ‘kind’, while parents’ top adjective was ‘nurturing’.
Good Schools Guide Review 2023
Aldwickbury's commitment to pastoral care shines through in the glowing remarks from the 2022 Inspection Report. The report not only praises the existing structures dedicated to the well-being of boys across all age groups but also commends the fostering of strong relationships among both staff and students. Central to our ethos is ensuring that every boy feels secure, valued, and respected within our school community. We strive to nurture them into mature 13-year-olds prepared to contribute meaningfully to society.
Within the Pre-Prep, the Head of Pre-Prep oversees the boys' welfare, while Class Teachers support their day-to-day needs. In Years 3 – 5, small class sizes allow for personalised pastoral care under the guidance of a dedicated Class Teacher. As boys progress to Year 6, they are paired with a Tutor who remains their mentor for the remainder of their time at Aldwickbury. This tailored approach ensures continuity of care during this critical phase, with ample one-on-one interaction facilitated by small Tutor groups. The Headmaster, supported by the Deputy Head, Head of Sections, and Heads of Years 5 and 6 and the Juniors, oversee pastoral care in the Prep School, maintaining regular communication with parents to monitor boys' progress academically and emotionally.
Our comprehensive PSCHEE curriculum, delivered through lessons, assemblies, tutorial sessions, and age-appropriate workshops, is tailored to each age group, bolstering self-esteem and instilling a sense of achievement. At Aldwickbury, we foster a strong sense of camaraderie, with every individual valued and respected. Regular assemblies and chapel services promote community and the School Values, and these are further reinforced by the boys’ Sections (houses) from Years 3 to 8, nurturing a deep sense of belonging.
Emphasis is placed on developing citizenship skills, with a focus on courtesy and consideration for others, rooted in our eight Aldwickbury Values. Boys in Years 7 and 8 undergo leadership training, preparing them for the responsibilities of their final years. Assigning them roles of increasing responsibility fosters leadership skills and strengthens their sense of belonging.
Visitors often remark on the evident happiness, openness, and confidence displayed by our boys, a testament to the collaborative and purposeful atmosphere cultivated by both students and staff alike.