Pastoral
‘Care, guidance and support are good. The management of support for those with learning difficulties and/or disabilities, especially the work of the learning mentors, is an outstanding feature, which allows these pupils to make good progress.’
‘Pastoral systems support pupils very well, providing continuous secure relationships as pupils move through the school. Pupils feel safe and free from bullying. They trust the adults and know where to turn for help. Arrangements for the safeguarding of pupils are excellent and the most vulnerable are quickly identified. The Learning Support Unit's outstanding support and guidance contributes significantly to pupils' confidence and self esteem’.
OFSTED 2006
In September 2008, the pastoral system at Mosslands School was expanded from three House teams to five Year based teams. This system provides smaller more personal units within the larger school, provides support and care throughout a student’s education focusing on the differing needs of each year group, and allows a strong emphasis on standards of achievement, presentation, preparation and behaviour.
Each Year Team has a Head of Year, an Assistant Head of Year and a Pastoral Resource Assistant. Their role is to foster and develop a real partnership between school, student and parents, and to closely monitor the progress and behaviour of each individual student.
Students in each Year group meet regularly at their own weekly assemblies and, through the Pastoral Teams, have the opportunity to accept positions of responsibility and contribute to the wider life of the school. The work of these Year Teams is line managed by an Assistant Headteacher who reports directly to the Headteacher.
All students are also allocated to one of three Houses – Faraday, Grenfell and Ruskin. These Houses have been in place for over 50 years. They support the pastoral needs of the students and encourage keen inter house rivalry and competition. The Houses provide opportunities for students from differing year groups to mix together, and remain a strong and important feature of The Mosslands School. Each House is lead by an Assistant Headteacher who organise activities and competitions throughout the year which climax in the award of the House Trophy.