EDUCAT ION
A SOCIAL LIFE It’s essential for students to choose A-levels based on their own interests and prospects. The increased freedom of sixth formmeans there’s lots of time to hang out with friends outside of class
are using has become far more normalised. Staff have been trained in mental health over the past few years, and this continues to be a priority.” Bolstering the mental health provision is the tutoring model at MPW, which fosters strong relationships between students and personal tutors. Official one-to-ones happen weekly, but in reality, contact is much more frequent due to the small size of the college, and the proximity in which everyone works. According to Tom: “This model ensures that issues are absolutely addressed at the source, with the parents closely aligned – communication is strong and solutions are put in place very quickly.” Once sixth formers are ensconced in their college, the focus shifts to ensuring they make the most of their time there, and are ready for the next steps. Preparing for what comes after is tough at the best of times – and that’s before you factor in the economic and employment shock waves caused by a global pandemic. Now,
and young people have been among the worst affected. Students in the 15–17 age bracket particularly, thinks Robin, due to the high degree of uncertainty surrounding exams. Because of this, St Mary’s is going the extra mile to ensure sixth formers are well supported. “We place wellbeing right at the heart of all we do, and our students discover plenty of ways to establish a healthy study-life balance,” he comments. “Alongside support from tutors and subject teachers, wider pastoral care is on-hand as required, including access to nurses and a school counsellor.” At MPW, the counselling provision has doubled over the course of the past 12 months – but the bigger change has been less about the structure of the provision and more about the general culture. “There has been a gentle change to a more overt ‘I hear you, I see you, you matter’ approach,” says Tom. “The counselling space has been moved to the centre of the college, and the language we
CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK NOVEMBER 2021 79
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