Pastoral care

How do we look after pupils wellbeing?

In short, by providing time, space, access to the great outdoors and by identifying a sensible approach to technology. How we do this however requires a rather long answer.

Never before has there been so much pressure on our children; the age-old complications of being a teenager, the ever increasing competition for schools, universities and jobs and, most significantly, the exponential growth in technology and its related social media and gaming platforms.

It is therefore all the more important to ensure that we provide our children with the environment to stay healthy and with the tools and skills to maintain this.

This starts of course with a healthy work/life balance, for if we cannot provide this for our children when they are still at school, what hope is there for them as they enter the wider world? It is essential that we work to provide a balance of academic and extracurricular activities, of cerebral and physical activities and, of course, a balance of screen and non-screen time.

Traditional boarding prep schools provide time for a full education and here at Aysgarth we pride ourselves on the fact that the boys spend half of the day in academic pursuits leaving the other half for creative, physical and enjoyment based activities. Exactly the right work/life balance to enable the children to enjoy their schooling, keep healthy whilst building confidence, and friendships along the way.

Equally importantly, schools need to ensure that their staff are trained to promote the mental health of those in their charge. Here at Aysgarth, in addition to the curriculum outlined above, we are proud to work in partnership with Teenagers Translated with regard to practical strategies for boys and staff alike. September saw us implement the STEER programme to support and enhance our existing pastoral care system.

Furthermore, we ensure that those in our care are discussed at daily briefings, staff meetings, boarding staff meetings, management team meetings and, most importantly, that all discussions and information is ‘joined up’.

And who benefits? The boys of course as we look to support them, help them to learn, to build good habits and to have plenty of fun along the way.