The pastoral system is an exceptionally strong feature at KGS which excels in the care that it takes for its pupils’ welfare. In addition to Mrs Walter, Deputy Head, in charge of pastoral care, a member of the Senior Leadership Team is assigned to each year group. There are also Heads of Year, Form Tutors, Head of Boarding (Pastoral) who are all part of the pastoral team. A central principle underlying the school's pastoral system is that young people are most likely to be successful academically if they feel secure in their school environment. To this end, Kirkham Grammar School gives great weight to the importance of effective induction and on-going guidance for each pupil in order to try to ensure that each young person is both happy and successful. A number of staff across the Foundation have received training in Mental Health First Aid to support our pupils’ wellbeing and recognise early signs of difficulty.
Pupils are conscious of the school’s emphasis on pastoral care and parents are very supportive.
The senior school pastoral system is divided into three main sections:
- The Lower School Key Stage 3: (11–14 years old)
- The Middle School Key Stage 4: (14–16 years old) GCSEs
- The Sixth Form Key Stage 5: (16–18 years old) A Levels
Pastoral care in the senior school begins in the year prior to entry, when new boys and girls entering the First Year are visited by the Head of Year whilst still at their junior school. Parents are invited to attend Open Day and Open Evening early on in the year and are again invited in as the induction programme commences in June. This provides an introduction to the school and a very important opportunity to meet the staff and ask questions.
Once at school, the First Year pupils are encouraged to attend the annual Clubs and Societies Fair. KGS offers a wide variety of activities to participate in during lunchtimes and after school. The new First Year cohort is divided into four form groups. The Form Tutor is the first point of call for all pastoral issues and parents are encouraged to contact tutors if they have any concerns.
The house system is another important aspect of pastoral life at Kirkham Grammar School. All pupils meet weekly in one of four house groups made up of pupils from the First Year to the Sixth Form. This vertical structure provides an extra support layer for pupils who are encouraged to get to know their older peers. The Whitby Cup is awarded to the house that gains the most points in the inter-house competitions that take place all through the year. Competition is fierce with house captains from the Sixth Form providing the wise words and impetus to get everyone involved.
As pupils advance through the school they are provided with many opportunities to develop their leadership and team skills through: Pupil Voice, mentor roles, prefects, captains of sport, house and school, CCF and the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme. Great care is taken as pupils move from one Key Stage to the next to ensure a smooth transition. The transition from Key Stage 3 to Key Stage 4 is marked by the transfer of responsibility to the Middle School and by a comprehensive transition programme which begins in the Third Year. The Head of Sixth Form oversees the transition from Key Stage 4 to the Sixth Form. A comprehensive induction programme is provided for pupils prior to entering the Sixth Form. Nearly all of the GCSE pupils at Kirkham Grammar School progress into the Sixth Form where they are joined by pupils from other schools and colleges who have been successful in applying for a place in the Sixth Form.
At Kirkham Grammar School, we believe the pastoral organisation of the school is very effective in what it sets out to achieve: a secure environment in which all pupils are valued, and in which they can be successful and reach their potential. Three school rules are promoted throughout the Senior School. Pupils are expected to be READY to learn, RESPONSIBLE in their actions and behaviour and be RESPECTFUL to each other and the environment.
The catering at Kirkham Grammar School is provided by our own in-house team led by the catering manager, Mr Vevers. Healthy, nutritious meals are served in the Dining Hall which is furnished to a high standard and provides pleasant surroundings for pupils and staff to socialise during lunch.
To view the PSHE Curriculum, please click here.
