The aim of CAI is to provide a supportive, caring and encouraging environment for all its pupils to allow them to reach their full potential as contributors to the school community and to society in general.
The high profile given to pastoral care and the caring ethos of the school has been recognised as a strength by the Education and Training Inspectorate.
Years 8-12 are divided into a number of Form Classes, each of which has a teacher assigned to it. The work of the teachers is coordinated by a Year Head. The Pastoral System is under the supervision of a Vice Principal.
Each class meets with its teacher every school day for morning registration and to deal with any problems that might occur. In addition to monitoring pupil absence the teacher is encouraged to promote participation in the extra-curricular programme of the school and generally counsel pupils on their work, personal and social development and discipline.
Pupils in Years 13 and 14 have individual tutors, normally one of their subject teachers, to carry out a similar function.
Every pupil in the school has a ‘Learning for life and Work’ period each week during which they address issues related to personal development, citizenship and employability. The work in these lessons contributes to the pupils Progress File.
If parents have a concern about any aspect of their son’s life within CAI they should initially contact the Year Head and, if necessary, the Vice-Principal or Headmaster. Parents’ evenings are arranged once each year for each year group and the school is very positive in its wish that parents should maintain a close contact with the school.
CAI recognises its pastoral responsibility towards its pupils and recognises that its pupils have a fundamental right to be protected from harm. As such, CAI regularly reviews and revises where necessary its Child Protection and Anti-bullying policies to ensure that pupils are provided with a safe, pleasant and regulated environment. Copies of these policies may be obtained from the Headmaster’s secretary.
Procedures exist for early identification of pupils with special educational needs for whom appropriate provision is arranged in consultation with parents and, where necessary, other support agencies.
Independent counselling offers a confidential relationship where you are offered a safe place to talk to a qualified professional, experienced and sensitive to young people’s needs and interests.
The counsellor will listen to you and support you to look at choices.
This could help you to …
The counsellor will not tell you what to do or assume they know better than you about your life.
Pupils can gain access to the counsellor by either speaking to their Year Head or, if they wish to maintain their anonymity, they can post a self-referral in the box outside the Headmaster’s study.