Tutor Groups in Middle Phase

Tutor groups play a very important role within Middle Phase and are a key part of the support structure for students throughout the school day.

Students begin each day with a soft start from 07:25 to 07:35, allowing time to arrive, settle into school, organise equipment, access lockers, and prepare for the day ahead.

This is followed by a 25 minute morning Tutor Time session from 07:35 to 08:00.

Tutor Time is an important part of daily life within Middle Phase and provides students with regular opportunities to:

Check in with their tutor

• Build positive relationships within their tutor group

• Receive notices and key information

• Develop organisation and routines

• Reflect on wellbeing and personal development

• Prepare positively for the day ahead

Class Tutors provide the ‘front line’ pastoral care for students within Middle Phase. Tutors work closely with their tutor groups throughout the year and are often the first person students should speak to if they have any questions, concerns, or worries.

In Year 6, most lessons are taught within tutor groups, helping students feel settled and supported as they transition from Junior Phase into Middle Phase. The main exception to this is PE, where boys and girls are taught separately. As students move into Years 7 and 8, some subjects begin to be taught in different groupings rather than remaining fully within tutor groups, helping students gradually prepare for the structure of Higher Phase.

Tutor Time

Tutor Time sessions follow a structured programme of activities that focus on:

• Stretch and challenge

• Mindfulness and wellbeing

• Reflection and personal development

• Organisation and routines

• Building positive relationships and community

Within Middle Phase, students are encouraged to become reflective learners and individuals. Students are provided with individual journals at the start of the academic year, which are used throughout Tutor Time activities to help students build positive reflective habits, set goals, and think carefully about their own development and wellbeing.

Our Core Value system also reinforces the importance of wellbeing and positive relationships by encouraging students to recognise and demonstrate behaviours that support positive mental health, kindness, resilience, responsibility, and respect for others.