Pastoral
FORM CLASSES
Each pupil in the school is assigned to a form class of approximately 30 pupils. For the first three years (Years 8 - 10) a pupil will stay with his form class for all subjects. This arrangement provides a secure basis for individual pupils. In Years 11 and 12 they will more than likely be in the same form class but here individual ability also plays a part. They will be in their form class each morning, but will not be with each other for every other subject - this depends on the choices made at GCSE level.
FORM TEACHER
Most classes have one form teacher who stays with them until Year 12, unless circumstances change. The form teachers meet their class every morning for a registration period of 15 minutes and they are responsible for checking uniform, attendance, punctuality, behaviour and the progress of each pupil in their care.
Assembly takes place once a week when all form classes in the Year Group meet. Personal and Social Education (PSE) takes place on a Tuesday with their form teacher and any problems, etc, are dealt with at this time. Teachers deal with topics such as drugs, smoking, health awareness, growing up, homework, revision skills, bullying during this time. This PSE programme takes place from Year 8 to Year 12 to ensure that all pupils' needs are met.
SUBJECT TEACHERS
As well as teaching their own subjects, subject teachers have a part to play in welfare of their students. If they notice any problems they will respond to these and liaise with the form teacher and the year counsellor.
HEAD OF YEAR
The Head of Year is a member of staff who has overall responsibility for the development of each pupil in their year group. They deal with any serious problems as well as the general welfare of the pupils.
COUNSELLOR
The Year Counsellor is a teacher who does not a have full teaching timetable and uses her/his non-teaching time to counsel pupils individually and in small groups. Belfast Boys' Model School emphasises the benefits of close links between school and home and to this end the Year Counsellor is available if parents want an interview through arranging a suitable time. When necessary the Counsellor will visit the pupils' homes.
The overall responsibilities therefore include individual counselling, the maintenance of stong home links and links with outside agencies, Education Welfare Officers.
In conclusion, all staff in Belfast Boys' Model School are committed to a system of pastoral care that illustrates compassion, forgiveness and caring and as such they expect the same in return, with high standards of respect, self-discipline and commitment.