Pastoral : Upper School

The GCSE years, Lower 5 (Year 10) and Upper V (Year 11) make up Upper School. Students have now selected their subjects and are working towards their first major public examinations with the added demands of coursework in most subjects. The form tutor stays with the group for the two years, to ensure continuity and the best possible support. There are increasing opportunities to take responsibility, reflecting the girls' seniority in school. In Lower 5, some girls become careers librarians which includes working with Lower School to get the best use from the library; members of Upper 5 act as 'monitors' in the Schofield Building and in the Prep playground organising games and activities and are available for Lower School pupils to talk to. Lower 5 undertake work experience during the summer term and many members of Upper 5 choose to take part in the Young Enterprise scheme. Many pupils who started the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme in Upper 4 (Year 9) embark on the Silver Level award in Lower 5.However for those who didn't there is the opportunity to do the Bronze award To help girls consider their future beyond GCSEs, the Upper 5 careers programme begins with an interview with Head of Careers and Pastoral Head, then an opportunity to meet with a Leeds Careers Adviser. The Headmistress meets with all Upper V pupils and their parents to discuss their future plans. This individual approach ensures that each girls receives the best possible advice in order to prepare for the future. When pupils join Upper School, they are given an updated handbook which provides guidance on study skills and making the most of the opportunities on offer. The PSHE course is also enhanced with separate careers, health and citizenship lessons as well as Religious Studies lessons. We aim to offer all members of Lower V a residential opportunity by taking the whole year group to London for last three days of the Easter term. This wide-ranging cultural visit explores aspects of citizenship, drama, history, science plus theatre and sightseeing and acts as a team-building opportunity for the year group.