Our Pastoral System
A vertical tutoring system is incorporated across all in Meridian Trust (Secondary) schools. Here’s why we believe it is a better fit for students:
1. Enhanced Peer Learning
In a vertical tutoring system, students from different year groups are grouped together in a Fomr, linked to their house. This creates opportunities for older students to mentor and support younger ones, facilitating peer learning. Younger students can gain insights and tips from those who have already navigated similar challenges, while older students can reinforce their own knowledge and develop leadership skills.
2. Stronger Community Feel
By mixing different ages, a vertical tutoring system helps build a stronger sense of community within the school. Students get to know peers from other year groups, which can foster a more inclusive and supportive school environment. This sense of belonging can improve students' overall well-being and engagement.
3. Personalised Support
In vertical tutoring, tutors can tailor their support more effectively to individual students' needs. Since tutors work with students across different years, they can provide more personalised advice and assistance, considering a broader range of academic and social experiences. This is part of our Academic Mentoring system.
4. Development of Soft Skills
Older students in vertical tutoring systems often take on mentoring roles, which helps them develop crucial soft skills such as communication, empathy, and leadership. These skills are valuable not only in school but also in future personal and professional contexts.
5. Continuity and Stability
Having a consistent tutor or a group of peers over multiple years provides stability and continuity. Students can build long-term relationships with their tutors and peers, which can enhance their comfort and confidence within the school environment.
6. Broader Perspective
Vertical tutoring allows students to engage with a wider range of perspectives. Older students might share their experiences and advice, providing younger students with a broader view of their educational journey and potential future paths.
7. Encourages Role Modeling
Younger students have the opportunity to look up to and be inspired by their older peers, who can serve as role models. This can motivate them to set higher goals and work harder, knowing what is possible through the examples set by older students.
8. Facilitates Transition
Vertical tutoring can help ease transitions between different school stages. For instance, younger students moving to higher year groups may already be familiar with and have a rapport with older students and tutors, making the transition smoother and less intimidating.
By integrating students from various year groups, Meridian Trust’s vertical tutoring system aims to create a more cohesive, supportive, and engaging educational environment that benefits students academically and personally.
