The pastoral care at MGGS is second to none and underpins the school’s overall approach to teaching and learning. It is one of the aspects of our school of which we are most proud, and is a key factor in our success, as we fully understand that students must be happy and feel supported if they are going to achieve well. We continually seek to create activities, opportunities and situations which will develop resilience and resourcefulness in our students, to instill in them the values and moral dimensions which will ensure their wellbeing throughout their life.
Our pastoral care system provides continuous support, advice and guidance for all students throughout their time at MGGS, as well as monitoring their academic progress and personal development. We are specifically trained in many of the issues faced by teenagers today, from anorexia to cyberbullying, attachment disorders to depression. Our systems for communicating pastoral concerns are robust and our anti-bullying measures ensure that everyone knows what is acceptable and what is not, and who they can turn to if needed. Form tutors are the key source of support for students from Year 7 upwards. Heads of Study work closely with students and form tutors to maintain an overall awareness of student progress and wellbeing. There is support from full-time learning mentors who are available to students, and where necessary, as a point of contact for parents and carers. In addition, we have a school counsellor, support from CXK and access to the school nursing service where this is needed. We also have a very effective peer mentoring system which emphasises the Habits of Mind that underpin success. Older students are trained to support their younger peers and encourage them to persist, think flexibly, take responsible risks, manage impulsivity, listen and understand with empathy, and respond to difficult situations with creativity and humour.
High quality care and guidance result in a strongly inclusive and caring atmosphere in the school, a place where students feel safe and valued, and contribute to their enjoyment of school.
Ofsted
Transition from Primary School
At MGGS we want your child to be a happy and successful learner. The aim of our induction process is to ensure that all our students integrate fully and quickly into school life and enjoy their time with us. Our transition process from primary school to MGGS is well established, making sure that students feel part of our school community straight away. In terms 5 and 6 of the academic year, senior staff visit all prospective students in their primary schools to talk to them and to their staff to discuss any questions or concerns they may have. On the Year 7 Welcome Day in July, all girls spend a day in school meeting their new form group, teachers and experiencing a day at MGGS, including taster lessons. We have a Welcome Evening in late September in Term 1 to enable students to introduce their parents to their form tutor and to ensure that they are settling well.
Transition to the Sixth Form
Students’ personal development is fostered very well through open and frank discussion and, because they feel valued, students are able to express their views and explore their feelings within a supportive environment.
Ofsted
In the Sixth Form, transition from Year 11 is managed through our Induction Day in July, when students are able to experience life in Year 12 and begin their subject studies, and through a comprehensive induction programme at the start of term 1. Parents attend a Welcome Evening in the first week of term 1 where they are given information, advice and guidance on how best to support their child in the Sixth Form, and on how the school helps students develop their academic potential and personal skills. All Year 12 students participate in a programme called the ‘A Level Mindset’, which focuses on developing skills in five key areas: Vision, Effort, Systems, Practice and Attitude (VESPA). Students systematically work on identifying goals and methods to achieve those goals as well as strategies to respond constructively to setbacks. The Sixth Form management team operates an “open door” policy which allows students continuous access to support, both academic and pastoral, from the Director and Assistant Directors of Sixth Form and from the KS5 Learning Mentor. Form Tutors also play a vital role, in ensuring that students are happy and successful in their studies.