It is a simple equation. Happy, secure young people do better than those who are insecure and sad.
The school works hard in keeping the pulse of our pupils’ well-being. A family bereavement, a falling out between friends, or simply the trials of growing up – all require wisdom, understanding and concerted action from committed staff.
In Senior Department, form time with tutors and assemblies all play their part. Decent values, boldly articulated and reinforced, set a bench mark for how pupils treat one another, whilst Heads of Year deal sensitively with even the most tangled pastoral issues.
In Pre-Prep and Prep, the family atmosphere is palpable and it is evident that each child is known very well by all the teachers. Mrs Hall and Mrs Hopper have an ‘open-door’ policy and pupils are all very comfortable dropping in, whether it’s to show off a certificate or to discuss a concern.
Excellent behaviour, good manners and sound morals are taken for granted: emphasis is placed on respect and tolerance. We can be confident that any child who wants to be different from their peers can be so, without feeling the pressure to conform.
Overall, we strive to build relationships based on mutual trust and respect, which can withstand the odd falling-out. It is no surprise that visitors regularly comment on what a strong sense of community we have here at Durham High School.
