School Life

The pastoral structure is based on form groups. There are five Progress/Pastoral Managers responsible to the Assistant Headteacher Pastoral who ensures that there is consistency throughout the pastoral system and acts as a point of reference for serious matters. All staff are proactive in identifying potential barriers to attainment and alerting relevant staff to pre-empt or minimise the potential difficulty

In Year 7 and 8, we have a Pastoral Manager who looks after th welfare and well being of all pupils. The Pastoral Manager also focuses on behaviour and attendance for Year 7 and 8.  

Key Stage 3 Manager

The Progress Managers monitor the achievement of all pupils in their year group to identify underperformance and implement swift and appropriate intervention strategies. The Every Child Matters agenda and the well-being of every child is closely monitored by the Progress Managers.

The form tutors are central to the life of the school. They are responsible for the academic and social welfare of pupils within the form and are an essential component in effective pastoral care. They work closely with the Progress Manager and so make a difference to the lives of the children. Form tutors work to develop relationships with their forms which enable pupils to talk openly about both achievements and problems.

Merit marks slips may be given by any member of staff to pupils in Years 7, 8 and 9 for positive attitude and behaviour, good attendance and punctuality and kindness. In Years 10 and 11 they are substituted with postcards which are sent home. They are given by all subject teachers and form tutors and may include a personalised message.

These are awarded for academic, social and sporting achievements as well as service to the school.

Each year Hillside holds a Prize Giving Awards Evening to celebrate students' achievements. This is held in October.

The school takes great pride in its excellent displays in the classroom and on the corridors and believes they play a major role in promoting inclusion and creating in pupils a sense of pride and self-worth.

We have a Student Services Centre with a dedicated team. Located just off the foyer, Hillside children should go there with any problems, or to ask for any help they might need. The team are also trained to deal with any minor first aid. It has proved to be very successful!

We have a strong team of five Learning Mentors who work across the year groups in supporting pupils who may need that extra encouragement and support for a variety of reasons.

Learning Mentors also run a daily 'drop in' service at lunchtime so that all pupils are able to access a Learning Mentor if necessary.

A full programme of additional support is offered to our Looked After Children , Young Carers and English as an Additional Language pupils.

The school nurse is available on a Thursday lunchtime for all pupils to access a drop in service. In addition, referrals to the school nurse can be made through parental request or via one of our Pastoral Team.