National Award for Excellence in Pastoral Care
The Pastoral Care department were delighted to accept the National Association of Pastoral Care in Education, (NAPCE), Special Recognition Award on behalf of Glenlola Collegiate School. This was the overall UK award for effective and innovative pastoral care at the National Awards in England.
The judges had visited Glenlola Collegiate School in June and stated that they were particularly impressed with the School’s Wellness Centre and pupil Wellness team.
Heather Law, Head of Pastoral care explained that at Glenlola Collegiate School, we are dedicated to fostering the holistic development of our students, striving to provide opportunities for their growth and well-being.
Pastoral care has long been a priority in Glenlola Collegiate, a reflection of our deep-seated belief in nurturing not just academic excellence but also emotional resilience and well-being. Previously, our Pastoral Care Staff Team consisted of four teachers and a School Nurse. However, as societal challenges have evolved and the complexities of adolescence became more pronounced, we recognised the need to expand our pastoral care provision to better meet the growing needs of our students.
In 2019, we embarked on a transformative journey by establishing a dedicated Wellness room within our school premises. This serene sanctuary quickly became a cherished refuge for both students and staff alike, providing a tranquil space for reflection, relaxation, and rejuvenation.
The onset of the pandemic highlighted the crucial role of pastoral care, particularly in supporting the mental health of our students.
In response to this pressing need, we embarked on a multifaceted approach to bolster our pastoral care efforts and provide comprehensive support to our students. Building upon the success of our Wellness room, we expanded its scope in 2020, transforming it into a fully-fledged Wellness Centre equipped with additional facilities such as a Relaxation room.
Recognising the pivotal role of peer support in fostering a supportive and inclusive school environment, we augmented our Pupil Wellness Team to include Peer Listeners whilst Peer Supporters continue to play an integral part of our school life and visit their Form classes on a weekly basis to carry out activities to foster a sense of inclusion within these classes.
All student volunteers undergo training in pastoral care and child protection, equipping them with the skills and empathy needed to provide peer-to-peer support to their fellow classmates.
Continuing our commitment to student leadership and empowerment, we expanded our Pupil Wellness Team in June 2023 by appointing Peer Leaders to oversee peer support initiatives across different year groups. These students are selected for their exemplary leadership skills and empathy.
In September 2023, we welcomed a new member to our pastoral care team: a Pastoral Support and Welfare Officer, a qualified social worker dedicated to providing targeted support and intervention to students and their parents in need. This invaluable addition further strengthened our ability to identify and address the diverse needs of our students, ensuring that every individual received the support and care they needed to thrive.
In conclusion, the journey towards enhancing pastoral care at Glenlola Collegiate has been one of continuous evolution and innovation, driven by our unwavering commitment to the well-being and success of our students. As we navigate the complexities of the modern world, we remain steadfast in our resolve to provide a nurturing and supportive environment where every student can flourish academically, emotionally, and socially.
