Supporting Students at Durban High School: An Extensive Pastoral Care System
At Durban High School, we understand that education goes beyond academics. It’s about fostering a nurturing environment where students feel supported and safe. Our comprehensive pastoral care system ensures that all learners have the opportunity to establish meaningful relationships, encouraging open communication and personal growth.
Mentorship Program: Building Connections
A cornerstone of our pastoral care is the mentorship program, which pairs carefully selected Grade 11 students with new Grade 8 learners. These mentors, AKA big brothers, provide guidance and support, meeting weekly with their mentees to foster open conversations. Under the expert guidance of our school counsellor, Mr. Bryan Adam, the Grade 11 mentors receive training to effectively fulfill their roles, ensuring that they are equipped to offer the support that younger students may need.
Class Tutors: Fostering Relationships
The next level of our support system consists of class tutors who oversee the well-being of their respective classes. Meeting twice a week, these educators work to cultivate trusting relationships with their students, making it easier for them to share their thoughts and feelings. This consistent interaction creates a supportive classroom environment where every learner feels valued.
Pastoral Heads: Comprehensive Support
Our pastoral heads play a vital role in ensuring the overall well-being of each grade. These dedicated educators manage referred cases and provide necessary guidance to students in need. They serve as a crucial link between learners and the broader pastoral care system, ensuring that every concern is addressed promptly and effectively.
The Role of the School Pastoral Head
At the helm of our pastoral care system is Mr. Bryan Adam, our school pastoral head and a trained counsellor recognized by the HSPCA. Mr. Adam specialises in providing counselling to students facing more significant challenges. He prioritises confidentiality and works diligently to create a safe space for students to express themselves. For cases that require additional expertise, he ensures proper referrals to medical practitioners, following up to guarantee that our students receive the comprehensive care they deserve.
A Safe Space for All
At DHS, we take pride in our extensive pastoral care system, which ensures that every learner feels safe to speak up and receive the help they need. If any student requires assistance, we encourage them to reach out to Mr. Adam via email (bryan.adam@durbanhighschool.co.za) to set up a meeting. Together, we are committed to fostering an environment where every student can thrive.
Finally, DHS has a safeguarding partner in the Guardian. As a school, we have 4 designated safeguarding officers and all our staff have been trained and certified in safeguarding awareness which equips staffs with the ability to recognise signs of stress in boys. All our learners have the opportunity of reporting incidences anonymously by scanning the Guardian app, which is position around the school and boarding establishment. The 4 designated safeguarding officers are the tasks with the responsibility of investigating and solving the issue at hand.
In conclusion, the support structures in place at Durban High School reflect our dedication to the well-being of our students. We believe that by creating a caring and open environment, we empower our learners to face challenges with confidence and resilience.
