Pastoral System
Quarrydale has a well-established pastoral system that aims to support your child’s social, emotional and personal development, alongside their academic progress and welfare.
Our pastoral system is organised in age groups Years 7 to 11. On entry to Quarrydale, every pupil is assigned to a tutor group which will, in most cases, be their tutor for their entire stay at school. Each tutor group is led by a tutor who should always be the first point of contact if there are any concerns, worries or other issues. Tutors develop an understanding and detailed knowledge of each individual’s personality and capabilities. Tutors work under the direction of a Head of Year and a designated member of the Senior Leadership Team.
Pupils are also supported by our Student Support Services Team and by our Behaviour Support Team
Heads of Year
Please find the head of year information below for each year group.
Head of Year – Mrs Trevor
Assistant Head of Year – Mrs Rhodes
Welcome to Year 7 at Quarrydale Academy! Starting secondary school is an exciting milestone, and I understand that it can also feel like a big step. As Head of Year 7, my role is to help every student settle in, feel supported and make the transition from primary school as smooth as possible. I work closely with students, parents/carers and staff to ensure everyone feels welcomed, safe and ready to thrive.
Throughout the year, I am here to offer guidance, celebrate achievements and support students with any challenges they may face. My aim is for every student to enjoy their first year at Quarrydale Academy, build confidence, make lasting friendships and achieve their full potential.
Head of Year – Mr Woolley
Assistant Head of Year – Miss Brooks
As Head of Year 8, my role is to support students as they continue to grow in confidence, independence and resilience. Year 8 is an important year, where students build on the strong foundations established in Year 7 while embracing new opportunities, developing friendships and making continued progress both academically and personally.
Throughout the year, I work closely with students, parents/carers and staff to provide guidance, celebrate achievements and offer support whenever it is needed. My aim is to ensure every student feels valued, challenged and encouraged to make the most of their time at Quarrydale Academy, helping them to achieve their full potential.
Head of Year – Mrs Cohen
Assistant Head of Year – Mrs Evans
As Head of Year 9, my role is to support students through this important stage of their school journey as they prepare for the choices and opportunities that lie ahead. Year 9 is a year of growing independence, developing confidence and beginning to consider future pathways, while continuing to make strong academic and personal progress.
Throughout the year, I work closely with students, parents/carers and staff to provide guidance, celebrate achievements and offer support whenever it is needed. My aim is to help every student make informed decisions, embrace new challenges and continue to thrive as valued members of the Quarrydale Academy community.
Head of Year – Mrs Walton
Assistant Head of Year – Mrs Sheldon
As Head of Year 10, my role is to support students as they begin their formal GCSE courses and take the next important step in their education. This is an exciting year, with students studying the subjects they have chosen, developing effective study habits and preparing for their first mock examinations, which help build confidence and identify areas for further progress.
Throughout the year, I work closely with students, parents/carers and staff to provide guidance, celebrate achievements and offer support whenever it is needed. My aim is to encourage every student to work hard, stay motivated and make the most of every opportunity as they build the knowledge and skills needed for success in Year 11 and beyond.
Head of Year – Mr Lane
As Head of Year 11, my role is to support students throughout their final year as they prepare for their GCSE examinations in the summer. This is an important and rewarding year, where hard work, determination and resilience come together. My focus is on helping students stay motivated, manage their wellbeing and make the most of every opportunity to achieve their very best.
Throughout the year, I work closely with students, parents/carers and staff to provide guidance, encouragement and support every step of the way. Together, we will celebrate successes, overcome challenges and ensure every student leaves Quarrydale Academy with the confidence, knowledge and skills to take the next step in their education or future career.
Role of School First Aiders
School First Aiders are not medically qualified practitioners and should not be regarded as a substitute for professional medical care
Purpose
The purpose of this section is to outline the duties, responsibilities, and limitations of School First Aiders in the provision of immediate care to students and staff within the school environment.
Main Duties
The primary duties of a School First Aider are to:
- Provide immediate assistance to individuals suffering from illnesses or common injuries arising from specific hazards within the school.
- Ensure, when necessary, that an ambulance or other professional medical assistance is requested without delay.
Administration of Medication
School First Aiders are trained to administer medication in accordance with parental or carer instructions, provided that the appropriate consent forms have been completed and the prescribed medication in its originally packaging has been supplied. Students are not permitted to have medication on their person unless it is an Epi-Pen or inhaler, and in these cases, a spare must be kept in Student Services.
First Aiders may also provide basic care for minor illnesses or injuries occurring on school premises.
Where a hospital visit is considered necessary, parents or carers will be contacted. In urgent or emergency situations, an ambulance will be called immediately, and parents or carers will be notified thereafter.
Limitations
School First Aiders are not medically qualified practitioners and should not be regarded as a substitute for professional medical care. Injuries sustained outside of school premises remain the responsibility of parents or carers. Where ongoing medication or additional support is required as a result of such an injury, this must be discussed with the student’s Head of Year prior to arrangements being made.
Assessment Procedure
When a student presents to First Aid, the First Aider will carry out an initial assessment, which may include asking simple questions to determine how the student is feeling and taking their temperature. If the student’s temperature is within a normal range and no concerning symptoms are identified, the student will be advised to return to lessons, with instruction to report back to First Aid should symptoms worsen. Parents are not usually contacted at this point.
Injury Assessment and Treatment
When a student presents with an injury, the First Aider will assess the affected area to determine the severity of the injury. Where appropriate, an ice pack may be provided to help reduce initial swelling. If the injury appears to be more serious or causes concern, parents or carers will be contacted and advised to seek professional medical guidance or attend hospital for further assessment.
Head Injuries
Head injuries are always examined and assessed carefully. A Head Bump Form will be completed for all head injuries, with one copy sent home with the student and another retained in school for records. Parents or carers will be informed of all head injuries.
If the student feels well, displays no visible bumps or swelling, and is comfortable returning to lessons, they will be permitted to do so under the instruction to return to First Aid if they begin to feel unwell.
In cases where there is significant swelling, visible bruising, or the student reports feeling unwell, parents or carers will be contacted to collect the student from school and monitor them at home.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions
If a student with a pre-existing medical condition, of which the school has been informed, attends First Aid feeling unwell, the First Aider will normally consult with the student’s parents or carers to determine the most appropriate course of action, in accordance with the student’s individual health plan and the school’s medical policy. Parents or carers will then be asked to decide whether the student should remain in school or be collected to rest or seek further medical advice.