Senior School Bases

In the Senior School there are four bases: Oak (Key Stage 3), Beech (Key Stage 4), Rowan (Key Stage 3 and 4 – see below for more information on Rowan Base) and also a Sixth Form Base. Each base has a team of Form Tutors who support pupils within small form groups.

Form Tutors are a key part of a pupil’s life, supporting well-being and academic progress and identifying any areas of difficulty as well as celebrating successes. Pupils begin and end each day in their form group with their Form Tutor and LSAs (Learning Support Assistants), who provide consistent pastoral care and assist them with their organisation and learning.   Form Tutors are the first point of contact for parents.

Part of the learning journey for pupils moving into the senior school is learning how to follow the school timetable, moving around the school and being taught by different subject specialist teachers. Year 7 Form Tutors ensure that their pupils are given the high levels of pastoral and organisational support they need to make a successful start to their time in the senior school.

Year 9 is also an important transition year during which pupils choose the examination courses they will follow in Key Stage 4. Pupils are supported during the year to choose their option subjects and in preparing for the new courses. A strong emphasis is placed on developing pupils’ organisational skills and encouraging greater independence in their learning in readiness for the demands of Key Stage 4.