St Colman's High & Sixth Form College

Pastoral Care

 Pastoral Care & Well-being 

In St Colman’s all staff are involved in supporting every student, throughout their time in St Colman’s.  A consistent and proactive approach to wellbeing aims to empower children with the knowledge, strategies and experiences to promote positive physical and mental health. This occurs across subjects, school events, visitors to school, educational trips and our partner organisations in education and health. 

 

Pastoral Structure

The structure of Pastoral teams within St Colman’s enables key staff to provide support from Year 8 to Year 14. A key objective of the school is that each student feels “known” and trusting relationships are built between each student and their Pastoral team. 

In addition to staff support, sixth form mentors are appointed annually to support classes in junior school. Acting as role models and “elder friend” to younger students, and developing pastoral skills within their role.

 

Trained Counsellors

The school’s professional counsellors can be accessed through

the Head of Pastoral Care. The service is confidential and enables students  to access specialist support to address difficulties in aspects of their life, and to acquire strategies to overcome what they may be finding challenging, distressing and confusing. 

 

Pastoral Teaching

In addition to morning registration, Pastoral lessons are delivered through Assemblies and timetabled lessons each week.  The school has a broad range of pastoral programmes designed to develop maturity, encourage thinking skills and personal capabilities, and enrich the lives and opportunities for all in St Colman’s.

These are themed around topics both relevant and relatable to students and are regularly adapted to reflect changes in social trends.. There is significant flexibility within the programme to ensure lessons may be adapted to reflect both individual and class needs, aspirations and external issues impacting upon the school community. 

 

 Pastoral care

 

   

External support

St Colman’s High School & Sixth Form College work with a number of agencies to support young people. These include Action Mental Health, Health Trusts, and Education Authority support and  Wellbeing organisations, and community organisations.

In additions the directory below may be contacted directly by students and families.

Useful contacts

  • Lifeline: 24/7 help for distress/despair (0808 808 8000).
  • Childline: 24/7 support for children/youth (0800 1111).
  • Samaritans: 24/7 confidential support (116 123).
  • The Mix: Crisis text service for under 25s (Text THEMIX to 85258). 

Mental Health & Wellbeing

  • Young Minds: Parents' helpline for youth mental health (0808 802 5544).
  • Aware NI: Mental health support (028 9035 7820 / 028 7126 0602).
  • CAMHS (Child & Adolescent Mental Health Services): Via HSC Trust referrals.