Care And Guidance
All members of the School community will be treated with respect and care. We will know our pupils and never be satisfied with anything other than their best. We will set them challenging targets and monitor their progress carefully to ensure they succeed. In order to fulfill this vision we have a number of people who work in school to help pupils to strive for the best they can.
Pastoral Managers and Achievement Co-ordinators
All pupils are now a member of one of four pastoral teams: Grundy, Birch, Fields and Matcham. A Pastoral Manager and Achievement Co-ordinator lead each team. Pastoral Managers at Unity College Blackpool oversee all aspects of pupil health and welfare, including behaviour and attendance. They work closely with parents and carers, form tutors and pupils to ensure that everyone understands what is required for the pupil to meet both academic and personal targets Achievement Co-ordinators monitor pupils' academic progress to ensure that pupils do not underachieve. They mentor pupils and co-ordinate and implement intervention strategies with subject teachers and Heads of Faculty. Both Pastoral Manager and Achievement Co-ordinators work with pupils to remove barriers to learning.
Bullying
Parents and pupils are often concerned that there may be bullying at school. Unity College Blackpool has a clear and decisive policy on bullying which demands that pupils are protected and that bullies are dealt with properly. This policy means that all members of the school are vigilant and open about bullying and that all incidents are reported. Restorative problem solving methods are used to explain how the incident came about. Opinions are listened to and valued. Explorations are made to verify what harm has been caused and how the harm can be repaired. Consequently, pupils are supported through any behavioural changes they may try to undertake. One tool by which the above can be facilitated is through restorative conferences. These seek to achieve agreement and reparation between those involved in the incident where harm has occurred. All those involved are encouraged to take part in the meeting.
Buddies
There is also a peer counselling service (RESPECT) where pupils are trained as counsellors and are available for pupils to discuss any issues they may have, in particular, with any issues they consider to be bullying. The counsellors advise on different strategies for dealing with the situation. This service is available at lunchtime.
Induction
There are pupils who start their education at Unity College Blackpool mid way through the academic year. An Induction Mentor supports the induction of these new pupils. This ensures that the new pupils have a positive experience of settling into school. This support continues for their first few months at Unity College Blackpool or until the pupil feels fully integrated.
Connexions
The Connexions service works with pupils particularly in years 9 and 11 to help them with decisions about the routes they can take at 16 and therefore, what might be the best options to make at the end of year 9.
Careers education and guidance
At Unity College Blackpool the careers education and guidance programme gives pupils the skills, knowledge and understanding to manage their own lifelong learning and career development. They learn how to match themselves to courses and the type of work which will suit them and they investigate changing opportunities in the world of work.
