Pastoral Studies Curriculum
Intent, Implementation, and Impact
Intent
As a school community we recognise that the transition from being the eldest pupils at primary school to the youngest pupils at secondary school can be a challenging one. As such, we have written a bespoke curriculum, rooted in Biblical wisdom, to support year 7 pupils in navigating the academic, social, and emotional challenges associated with this significant change.
It aims to:
1. Foster a Sense of Belonging: To help pupils feel welcomed and a part of the school community, reducing feelings of anxiety and isolation.
2. Develop Key Relationships: Encourage the formation of positive relationships with peers and introduce pupils in year 7 to key members of staff to help them build a support network that enhances their confidence and sense of community. In order to achieve this the curriculum is taught by the Headteacher, Deputy Headteacher, two Senior Pastoral Leads (7-8 and 9-10), the Assistant Head of Year 7, and the Lay Chaplain.
3. Instil Independence and Responsibility: Guide pupils towards taking greater ownership and responsibility for their learning, organisation, and behaviour, preparing them for the increased independence experienced at secondary school.
4. Reinforce Core Values and Vision: Promote the Christian values of the school, understand the vision of being part of a Christian Learning Community, and the ‘5 C’s’.
5. Address Practical Challenges and Develop Key Skills: Provide guidance on managing routines, adapting to new teaching styles, and developing the key skills required to be successful at secondary school.
Implementation
The curriculum is split into 4 different units, with teaching rotating to a different class at the end of each unit. This ensure that pupils are able to build relationships with a variety of key staff, and key staff get to know a wide group a pupils.
Impact
The curriculum’s holistic and values-driven approach provides pupils with the tools they need to thrive, setting them up for success not only in Year 8 but throughout their secondary school journey. As pupils leave Pastoral Studies they do so with - an enhanced understanding of what they hope to achieve at secondary school; greater independence and readiness for academic challenges; emotional resilience and confidence navigating social dynamics; and a strong foundation of Christian values and sense of purpose.
Pastoral Studies and the Christian vision of our School
The Pastoral Studies curriculum gives pupils the opportunity to investigate and understand our Christian Vision for Education and gives them a holistic view of educating the whole person and not just the mind. Pupils think about what it means to belong to a Christian community and the actions and attitudes that embody that. Pastoral studies provides space for pupils to reflect on Bible stories and passages and how the wisdom found there can impact the choices they make and their journey through secondary education.
