Avonbourne School

"Pupils' personal development is very good; as are their attitudes and behaviour.", OFSTED

At Avonbourne we believe that a caring environment is a vital aspect of every child's education because children who are happy and enjoy school will inevitably achieve their best socially, emotionally and academically. This is why we place great importance on pastoral care.

Your daughter will be placed into one of four Houses when they join us and remain in that House during their time here. The four Houses are named after famous historical women who can act as role-models for our students. Charlotte Bronte, Edith Cavell, Elizabeth Fry and Florence Nightingale.

The House System will enable you and your daughter the develop a good relationship with their pastoral head and form tutor, creating the feeling of family into which all students are welcomed.

Part of the uniqueness of Avonbourne is the great emphasis placed upon recognising students as individuals; we believe your daughter will gain maximum benefit from her education when she has appropriate support and guidance. The pastoral head and form tutors will be able to provide this by encouraging her to develop her character by taking on roles of responsibility, participating in various voluntary activities, events and competitions and celebrating her sucess in House assemblies. This will engender a feeling of belonging and pride in the House and promotes healthy competition between the Houses. The partoral head or form tutor will also be available to address any difficulties or concerns students may encounter throughout their time with us.

In addition we are aware that the move from Junior to Secondary school can be daunting which is why at Avonbourne your daughter will be paired with a 'buddy' to help and guide them through their first year.

All students are expected to behave in a polite and respectful manner to staff and other students, this enables the school to develop their potential and forms an important part of our school ethos.

On the few occasions where mistakes are made and students behave in an unacceptable manner we also use a number of sanctions including Restorative Approaches to repair the damage. This approach concentrates on setting right any harm done to relationships over and above the need to assign blame and dispensing punishment.