Pupil Support
Where support and guidance go hand in hand
Pupil Support
Who Can Pupils Talk to in School?
Pupils can talk to any adult in school who they feel comfortable with, should they need to. This may be their UPS Tutor as a first point of call or any trusted teacher. All pupils are also assigned a Pupil Support Teacher. S1s will have initial settling in conversations to introduce them to their Pupil Support Teacher in their first term. Pupil Support Teachers will speak with pupils throughout their school careers to offer support on issues such as attendance, latecoming, behaviour, progress in subjects, course choices and post-school destinations. Pupils can ask to see their Pupil Support Teacher by using the sign-up sheet outside the Pupil Support base or by asking at the office. Pupil Support Teachers are assigned by House, as follows:
- McLellan – Mrs Dwojacka
- Selkirk – Miss Wells
- Stewart – Mrs Kirkland
Members of the SMT work closely with the Pupil Support Team, and pupils can also speak to any member of the SMT (Mr Tuffery, Mrs Clelland or Mr Henry). If you wish to speak to your child’s Pupil Support Teacher, or any other member of staff, you should email or phone the school office.
Mrs Kirkland
Stewart
Miss Wells
Selkirk
Mrs Dwojacka
McLellan
Pupil Support
Targeted Support Using Our Partners
Young people sometimes need additional, more targeted support. We work closely with a range of partners who offer this. These include:
- Youth Work Services – we have a Youth Worker who is in school two mornings a week offering low-level mental health support to pupils.
- School Nurse –provides support for pupils’ mental health and wellbeing, including around issues such as anxiety and self-harm.
- CAMHS – more targeted mental health support for young people.
- Attendance Support Officer
- Social Work, including Family Support Workers
Referrals to these and other agencies are done through Pupil Support or SMT. If you wish to discuss support that may be available/appropriate for your child please contact your child’s Pupil Support Teacher
Pupil Support
How Are Pupils Supported Through the Curriculum
PSHE
The PSHE curriculum promotes wellbeing and inclusion for all pupils throughout S1-6, with input from outside speakers including police and the Careers Adviser. Topics covered include:
- Anti-bullying
- Growth mindset
- Staying safe online
- Drugs/alcohol/smoking/vaping
- First Aid
- Relationships, sexual health and parenting
- Careers, including UCAS/College applications
If you wish to know more about the PSHE course please contact Mrs Kirkland through the school office.
UPS
UPS classes are mixed age groups S1-S3 and S4-S6. The UPS tutor will carry out Learner Conversations with pupils to check progress, set targets and discuss any problems they need help with. Topics covered in UPS include Anti-Bullying Week, Children’s Mental Health Week and issues related to the UNCRC. Pupils in S1-3 also carry out termly self-evaluation using the SHANARRI Wellbeing Indicators – this allows Pupil Support Staff to speak directly to pupils about any issues raised. Other Areas Inclusion and wellbeing are also promoted through other aspects of our curriculum where appropriate. As part of our Rights Respecting Schools journey there is more regular discussion of Young People’s Rights in classes.
Pupil Support
Wider Opportunities
Pupil Wellbeing and Inclusion is also promoted through a number of wider opportunities, including clubs and school trips. All S1 pupils take part in a day’s team-building activities towards the beginning of S1 to help them get to know each other and develop self-confidence and resilience. Pupils also have the opportunity to have their voice heard and contribute to school improvement through our Pupil Council. Some pupils also take on leadership roles as Mentors in Violence Prevention, SQCF Ambassadors, Sports Ambassadors and S1 Buddies. Pupil success is celebrated through our merits system, assemblies and using our Facebook Page.
Pupil Support
Our Next Steps
Based on feedback from pupils, parents and staff, our next steps are:
- To continue on our Rights Respecting Schools Journey. We are very pleased to have achieved our Silver Award and will now work towards achieving Gold.
- To hold more regular assemblies, including those focused on celebrating success.
- To continue to participate in the Mentors in Violence Prevention Programme.
- To work towards our LGBT Charter Award.
Pastoral Care
The Academy is big enough to provide a rich diet of opportunities and small enough to focus on everyone’s personal needs.
PSHE
The PSHE programme has been developed in order to foster the core values of the School and the desired outcomes of ‘CFE’
Tutor (UPS)
The Academy has a comprehensive ‘Tutor System’ which ensures individual support for students when they need it.
