Wellbeing - Middle School

Pastoral Care Matters To Us

In our Middle School, Pastoral Care Lessons are especially important due to the unique challenges students face during this transitional phase of life. These lessons help address both the emotional and developmental needs of our young men. In the address by Year Coordinators to families at the Parent Information Evenings, they stressed our ongoing commitment to this growth and development and the opportunity we have to tailor these lessons to age-appropriate issues facing our young men. Here are a few reasons why they are so important to us.

1. Emotional Development and Support

Middle School students undergo significant emotional changes, and these lessons provide a safe space for them to explore their feelings. They help students understand and regulate their emotions and learn skills like empathy, conflict resolution, and self-reflection, helping students build emotional intelligence, which is crucial for personal growth and social relationships.

2. Strengthening Peer Relationships

During this stage of their lives, peer relationships become central to our students' social lives. These lessons help students build strong, positive relationships, encouraging kindness, teamwork, and conflict resolution. It can also assist in addressing issues like bullying and exclusion, fostering a more supportive school environment.

3. Support During Identity Formation

Middle School is a time when many students begin to explore their identity, including their interests and beliefs. These lessons offer a supportive environment where students can explore these aspects without fear of judgment, fostering a sense of acceptance and self-empowerment.

4. Promoting Positive Behaviour and Character Development

Our teachers guide our students to develop good character traits like resilience, perseverance, and respect for others. These lessons can also instil a sense of responsibility for their actions and teach them about the consequences of poor choices, helping to reduce behavioural issues.

5. Creating a Sense of Belonging

Middle School students can sometimes feel lost or isolated as they face the pressures of adolescence. By fostering a sense of belonging through encouraging inclusivity, kindness, and community, it can help each of our students feel seen and valued.

Over the course of the year, you can expect your sons to come home and discuss the various pastoral care lesson contents. I encourage them, and likewise for you to encourage him, to engage positively, to help his homeroom teacher to create a safe space, one that is based on openness, trust, and support. Empower and reassure him where he has any concerns and please contact his homeroom teacher and/or Year Coordinator where there are any wellbeing concerns. 

Alexandros Sinadinos

Director of Middle School