We take the pastoral care of our students very seriously, and we feel that it is important that all our Year 12 students make a smooth transition into life as members of the NHGS Sixth Form. That is why we have a carefully planned induction programme to help students with this settling in process.
Before the summer, students who are new to NHGS are invited to an informal afternoon to meet their form tutor and other students.
During the first few weeks of the academic year, all Sixth Form students take part in our Induction Day which combines team building activities and a social lunch. Weather permitting, activities take place outside, making full use of our outdoor space and stunning surroundings.
The programme of activity is designed to encourage students to get to know their tutor group and form tutor.We aim to ensure that all students have a network of friends and teachers to support them during their time at NHGS.
The first few PSCHEE lessons are focused on developing good independent study skills to enable students to make a smooth transition into A Level study
Miss Rigby is the Sixth Form Enrichment Co-ordinator, and as part of her role she co-ordinates and manages the Y12 Induction Programme. She explains,
The Induction Programme is an important part of the settling in process for all Year 12 students.
For students that studied at NHGS, it’s been about moving up from the school and settling into the purpose-built Sixth Form Learning Centre. It’s also been about recognising their new social standing and responsibilities that come with being some of the oldest students at NHGS.
For new students - the whole school environment, teachers and most of their fellow students are new territory and so we understand that this first half-term is the most crucial in their transition to the school. Feedback received suggests that both staff and students have made this period of transition easy for all newcomers.
Mia, a current Year 13 student that joined the NHGS Sixth Form in Year 12 said,
Everyone was so welcoming and made me feel so included. Within a week I felt like I fitted in better than I did at my old school, and I have loved every second so far. The introductory event with the RAF was amazing and gave me opportunity to get to know more people in my form and around the SixthForm as a whole, and I can’t wait for the next few years with the NHGS family.