The Student Council have been actively involved in the planning of vertical tutor groups at Guthlaxton from the Summer Term 2009. They led assemblies in January to inform all students about the developments in the vertical tutor group plans. Mrs Wilson and Mr. Keller held question and answer sessions first with Year 12, then with each House at lunchtimes.

Provisional Plans

  • Approximately 22 students in each tutor group, with a mix of approx. 7/8 Year 10, 7/8 Year 11 and 3/4 Year 12, 3/4 Year 13.
  • House system continues, but possibly with more Houses.
  • House assemblies continue.
  • All students continue to receive Pastoral Support.
  • House Coordinators, Group Tutors and Year tutors, Mentors and Connexions advisors continue to support individual student needs.
  • The Sixth Form continues to function from B-block.

Some advantages of VTG

  • Allows students to mix with other year groups, similar to in the workplace and the community.
  • Students have increased leadership opportunities.
  • It is a two-way process; students in a tutor group can share strengths.
  • Students can foster a stronger relationship with their tutor.
  • Sixth Form students can feel looked up to.
  • They gain confidence in their ability to advise, counsel and support younger students.
  • They gain experience and evidence of skills for UCAS and CVs.
  • Bullying is seen to reduce in a vertical tutor group.
  • Tutors will deal with less poor behaviour (there’s always going to be one!).
  • Students have been seen to change their behaviour following the example set by older students.
  • It creates a real work perspective and a positive environment.
  • Allows the flexibility to manage groups of students - smaller groups.

In April, the whole College will be involved in House activities to encourage students to begin working together across year groups. So far, there is the option to learn how to play bridge, fly kites, take part in some sporting activities, learn how to create animation and be involved in articulation games. Watch this space!

Published on Tuesday 27th January 2009 at 09:00