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Pastoral

Introduction

The role of parents

It is perhaps a self-evident, but none the less important for being so, that the success of any pupil depends on a positive and effective relationship between parent and School and pupil.

By making the commitment to send your child to RGSAO you are already indicating support for a system founded on excellence and full participation. Participation not only of pupil but of parents also. In order to make the most of every opportunity RGSAO provides, parents have a full and essential part to play:
  • to give time and attention to assist with preparation work and ensure that it is done to the best of their child's ability; and provide a suitable environment for homework.
  • to actively support their child in extra-curricular activities on the touchline, at concerts and plays;
  • to take every opportunity to communicate with the school at Parents' Evenings or through written correspondence;
  • to organise their holidays and leisure time to allow for maximum attendance and participation by their child;
  • to be aware of the School Rules and ensure that their child abides by them as well as the common courtesies of a civilised life-style;
  • where appropriate, to support the School in matters of discipline;
  • above all, to undertake to communicate with the School over any matters of uncertainty or concern (or maybe even satisfaction!).
Of course a partnership requires contributions by all partners and the School undertakes to play its full part in the vital rôle of education.

Useful addresses, telephone numbers and websites

Some parents do ask for general advice as their children develop and we have found the following list to be the most helpful. Of course, seeking information in this way should not prevent parents from contacting school about any matter.

Parentline
Offers help and advice to parents bringing up children and teenagers. Helpline 0808 800 2222; textphone 0800 783 6783;
www.parentlineplus.org.uk

Raising Kids
A website for parents.
www.raisingkids.co.uk

Trust for the Study of Adolescence
Produces materials, such as books and audio tapes, for parents about common problems in adolescence. 23 New Road, Brighton, BN1 1WZ. Tel: 01273 693311 Fax: 01273 67990;
www.tsa.uk.com

Young Minds Parents’ Information Service
Provides information and advice on child mental health issues. 48-50 St John Street, Clerkenwell, London EC1M 4DG. Parents’ Information Service 0800 018 2138;
www.youngminds.org.uk

British Nutrition Foundation
www.nutrition.org.uk

Communication

Through Form Tutor, subject teacher, Head of Section, Deputy Heads and Headmaster the School aims to work with parents to provide abundant opportunities and challenges for your child.

Communication is the cornerstone of all effective partnerships and the School undertakes to keep parents fully informed on all matters pertaining to their pupils.

Prep Diary

The Prep Diary provides a medium for regular correspondence between parents and Form Tutor and through this medium, and through both formal and informal meetings, a real dialogue can be maintained between the School and home.

Heads of Section will have an overview of this partnership and provide another link in the chain binding School and home together for the mutual benefit of the pupil.

The end of the day

The school day finishes at 3.50 although there may be after school commitments to attend. Pupils should be off site by 4.15 unless they are in one of the computer rooms or the Library, where the Homework Club takes place.

Extra time in examinations

If parents feel their child is entitled to extra time in examinations as a consequence of dyslexia or other special learning difficulties, they should contact the Learning Support Department.