PASTORAL ETHOS
Our approach to pastoral care prioritizes the overall development of each student, focusing on their personal, social, and academic growth. We strive to prepare them for future success by offering the support and encouragement necessary to help them thrive in a nurturing and safe environment.
IN THIS SECTION
PASTORAL ETHOSPERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
HOUSE SYSTEM
Our school embraces inclusive values that address the varied needs of Moonstone students, creating an atmosphere where individuality is honored and celebrated. At the heart of our community are core principles focused on kindness, respect, and consideration for others, which strengthen the bond among all members.
Emotional Welfare
We understand that each student will encounter unique challenges and pressures on their path to academic achievement. At Moonstone Academy, we are committed to fostering a positive emotional environment for both students and staff, ensuring everyone feels supported, secure, and capable of flourishing during their time with us. To achieve this, we cultivate a culture where all individuals feel valued and confident in sharing any concerns they may have.
The academy recognizes that pastoral care is a shared responsibility, involving all members of the community, and places great emphasis on positive interactions between staff, students, and families. Every staff member is trained to recognize mental health warning signs and to implement the best strategies for addressing them.
Our robust pastoral program, led by Heads of Learning, Assistant Heads of Learning, and tutor teams, ensures that every student and their family has a dedicated point of contact. These staff members offer ongoing support, guiding students through their academic and emotional progress, and assisting those who face barriers to learning.
When needed, we collaborate with external services to ensure that students receive the comprehensive support necessary for their well-being and success.
Student perspectives
Moonstone Academy is committed to enhancing its offerings by encouraging students to actively engage in decision-making and raise issues that matter to them. This is achieved through a structure of student leadership, which includes the Academy Council, Senior Pupils, Form Representatives, and Student Action Groups.
The Academy Council follows the Smart School Councils framework, designed to involve every student in the decision-making process and promote participation across all year groups. Being part of the Academy Council helps students develop essential life skills, including research, action planning, teamwork, and debating.
Each Form Group elects a Form Representative through an anonymous vote, providing students with an opportunity to lead Class Action meetings. These meetings serve as a platform for gathering student opinions and suggesting future topics for discussion. Within each Form, students are divided into small groups, each with one vote per issue, encouraging informed debates and conversations about current matters. The Academy Council utilizes a custom-built software platform, developed by Moonstone students, to gather voting results and track proposed topics.
The goal is for students to not only voice what they wish to see changed but also to spend time researching solutions and alternatives. These ideas are then presented to the Senior Leadership Team. The Academy Council Committee shares updates with students during Year Assemblies and via the Academy Council notice board. Parents are also encouraged to stay informed through our website.
Year 7 Transition to Moonstone Academy
Transitioning to secondary education is an exciting milestone for incoming Year 7 students, though it can also bring some changes that may cause anxiety for both students and their parents/carers. Differences between primary and secondary education may include navigating different classrooms, having various teachers for each subject, adjusting to larger buildings, new travel routines, and meeting new classmates.
At Moonstone Academy, we have a comprehensive transition programme in place to ensure that all students and their families feel confident and well-prepared for the move. We are confident that your child will find our academy to be a caring and welcoming environment where each student is both academically challenged and supported. We host welcome events in June, ahead of the September start, providing an opportunity for children and their parents/carers to meet members of the senior leadership team and the Year 7 Head of Learning, as well as to ask any questions.
All new students are invited to a Transition Day before the term begins, where they can meet their form group and begin making new friends. The day includes fun, team-building activities and an introduction to some of the subjects they will be studying.
When your child joins us in September, they will be assigned to a form group within one of our six houses. Each morning, they will meet with their tutor, who will oversee their individual pastoral needs. The Form Tutor will stay with them throughout their time at the academy, and the Head of Learning will be the primary contact for pastoral matters beyond the Form Tutor.
The first few weeks of school in September are considered part of the transition process. This period includes several Year Assemblies and form time activities, designed to answer any questions new students may have and help them settle into academy life.
Starting at a new academy is an exciting adventure, and we look forward to supporting both our new students and their parents/carers throughout their time with us.