Rebecca Walker, Registrar and Marketing Co-ordinator at St Joseph's School, Launceston, explains why the school's ethos of providing strong pastoral care as well as high standards in education is extremely important to it
School’s pastoral care – why it is so important
Rebecca Walker, Registrar and Marketing Co-ordinator at St Joseph’s School, Launceston, explains why the school’s ethos of providing strong pastoral care as well as high standards in education is extremely important to it
There is no doubt that all parents want their children to enjoy their years at school, to have great fun and at the same time reach their full academic potential.Finding the right school environment with excellent academic results is always a high priority but what of the listening, supporting, encouraging and befriending, that is, the pastoral care – is that not more important ?As children grow so do the decisions they need to make independently and this is just one of the reasons why pastoral care is important. It helps every child develop their personal, social, moral, emotional and intellectual skills.At St Joseph’s School in Launceston we work hard to ensure that our pastoral care is outstanding. Tutors guide children through their school years and they are always there to offer help, encouragement and support. The tutors meet with their pupils every morning and afternoon which helps to build strong relationships. Each week they set aside time for group discussions while one to one sessions give everyone an open and trusting environment.Senior pupils at St Joseph’s also act as peer listeners, getting to know other pupils extremely well through extra curricular, full school and sporting activities. As we all know, sometimes the best help can be offered by a sympathetic ear from someone who understands teenage life!Pastoral care helps children to gain the necessary life skills to deal with the rising pressures of today’s society. When pastoral care is good pupils feel content and empowered to deal with their school workload; pupils know they can talk to tutors about their concerns and feel confident in doing so; pupils can deal with more challenging situations and the tutors and pupils gain a mutual trust and respect.Our school always endeavours to raise pupil’s social awareness, promote positive attitudes, build self-esteem and create an environment in which each individual child feels secure.Make sure that pastoral care is at the top of your list when searching for the right school for your children.St Joseph’s School will be holding its next Open Day on Friday 5 October 2012: why not come and have a look or if you prefer individual visits are available by appointment with the Registrar throughout the year?
If you would like to attend the Open Morning or if you would like to book an alternative date to view the school please contact the Registrar, Rebecca Walker, on 01566 772580 or registrar@stjosephscornawall.co.uk
