Building resilience in young people with pastoral care

With its holistic approach to education and pastoral care, Norwich High School for Girls is preparing its students not just for exams, but for life.

At Norwich High School for Girls, pastoral care is an integral part of the educational ethos.

Established in 1875, Norwich High School for Girls is a member of the Girl’s Day School Trust (GDST) – a family of 25 girls’ schools with a mission to help girls “learn without limits”.

Helen Dolding, deputy head (pastoral and co-curricular) and GDST pastoral consultant (Image: Norwich High School for Girls)

Under the guidance of Helen Dolding, deputy head (pastoral and co-curricular) and GDST pastoral consultant, the school has developed a comprehensive approach to support the emotional, social and psychological wellbeing of its students.

Helen line manages the wider pastoral team, which is comprised of head of years, form tutors and pastoral mentors, an on-site nurse and part-time counsellor, as well as DSLs, attendance officer and diversity and inclusion lead. Helen works closely with the Academic Deputy Head and Assistant and the school’s Learning Support team.

The school’s pastoral care programme aims to build self-confidence, purpose and an understanding of the personal strengths of each student.

"Pastoral care is making sure that a child feels that they belong, feel safe and are happy,” Helen said. “If you can get that right from the very early days, they will thrive in life, academically and in co-curricular activities."

READ MORE: Building a curriculum of confidence at Norwich High School for Girls

Norwich High School for Girls has distilled its pastoral care philosophy into three core aims: know yourself, look after yourself, and make it happen.

Through assemblies, tutor time and one-on-one conversations, students are encouraged to understand their strengths, passions and worries. This self-awareness is foundational for personal growth and resilience.

All students are given the support they need to 'make it happen' (Image: Norwich High School for Girls)

The school also teaches practical tools and resources for managing difficult times.

"It's important to acknowledge that everyone goes through tough times," said Helen. "We provide the tools to manage these challenges, and we also emphasise the importance of looking out for others."

The ‘make it happen’ motto encapsulates the school’s drive to empower students to pursue their goals fearlessly. "We want them to leave here with the confidence to be whatever they want to be," Helen said.

This aim extends to community involvement, encouraging students to engage in social action and volunteer work. A range of activities are offered from three categories: service, active and creative.

Students can volunteer with conservation projects on Mousehold Heath; work with elderly residents of local care homes; co-teach practical science to local primary school children; and lead singing projects. These activities not only benefit the community but also teach students the importance of empathy and social responsibility.

READ MORE: How the ‘power of yet’ inspires a growth mindset for student success

There are further leadership opportunities offered throughout the school, such as clubs, societies and the School Council, which allows students to have a voice in shaping the culture of the school.

“Our diverse clubs and societies programme allows students to explore their hobbies and interests and pick up new ones, from sport to crochet!” Helen said. “Clubs like the Changemakers allow students to have an active voice in our diversity and inclusion initiatives.”

Students have been involved in shaping initiatives such as Eco Week, Black History Month, Pride Day and Languages and Culture Week.

From September 2024 a new co-curricular programme, titled Beyond, will be introduced. This is a bespoke programme designed to support the contemporary needs of students to help prepare them for life beyond Norwich High School for Girls.

All senior school students will have one timetabled Beyond lesson every Friday. The programme is built upon three strands: academic enrichment, personal development and life skills, and health and wellbeing.

Building resilience and confidence is a cornerstone of the school’s pastoral care strategy. Students are given numerous opportunities to take risks in a safe environment, from public speaking in assemblies to participating in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.

"We encourage them to lead, to speak out, and to take on new challenges," Helen said. "This builds their confidence and prepares them for future leadership roles."

Norwich High School for Girls offers a range of extra-curricular activities to boost confidence and resilience (Image: Norwich High School for Girls)

An example of this approach is the annual fashion show where students model their own creations.

"The bravery of the girls walking down that catwalk is incredible," said Helen. "It's their designs, their work, and they own it."

But transitions can be challenging for students and their confidence, whether moving from prep to senior school or entering sixth form. Norwich High School for Girls has robust support systems in place to ease these transitions.

From 'shuffle up' days where students meet their new tutors and classmates to team-building activities like the Bramley Lakes trip, the school ensures that students feel prepared and supported.

"We focus on creating a sense of belonging from the very start," said Helen. "Our transition activities are designed to help students form friendships, understand the new environment, and build the confidence to take on the next stage of their education."

Research shows that students will most often turn to a friend or older peer to seek support.

Norwich High School for Girls has developed a “Big Sister” programme – a buddy system for lower school pupils to be supported by a sixth former. This programme is led by a team of sixth formers who meet regularly to ensure that they have essential training, including an understanding of safeguarding issues.

"Our Head Girl team are also a key point of contact for younger students and can provide support and advice on who to turn to," Helen said.

"We have also adopted the Girls on Board approach to help students between the ages of seven and 18 navigate the often troubled waters of friendship problems."

The language, methods and ideas of this approach empower girls to solve their own friendship problems and recognises that they are usually the only ones who can.

"By empowering girls to find their own solutions, parents worry less, we can focus more on the curriculum and students learn more effectively – because they are happier," Helen said.

Norwich High School for Girls offers a 'Big Sister' buddy system to support students (Image: Norwich High School for Girls)

The school also has several dedicated areas where students can relax and unwind, play games with friends or take time out from the school day.

The  school nurse, attendance officer and counsellor are based in the Wellbeing Lodge, which also features a room with comfortable seating, mindful activities and games. Year 10, 11 and sixth form students benefit from specific common rooms throughout the school.

"Our sixth form centre also boasts a school café as well as plenty of communal areas and social spaces," Helen said. "In the warmer months, the Wellbeing Decking area and Jubilee Garden are very popular among students. There are plenty of games and activities available, as well as table tennis and bean bag seating."

For prospective parents and students, Norwich High School for Girls offers a unique environment where academic excellence is matched by exceptional pastoral care.

"We are part of a family of schools within the GDST," Helen said. "This connection provides us with access to the latest research and best practices in education and pastoral care."

Helen herself was drawn to the school after experiencing its atmosphere first-hand.

"I had not taught in a girls' school before, but within minutes of my interview day, I knew this was where I wanted to be. There's something special about the environment here that you have to experience to understand."

Ultimately, what sets Norwich High School for Girls apart is its commitment to fostering a supportive, inclusive and empowering environment for every student.

"Our goal is to ensure that each girl knows herself, looks after herself, and has the confidence to make it happen," Helen said.

"We want them to leave here ready to take on the world."

For more information, visit norwichhigh.gdst.net