Supporting Student Wellbeing as the Year Concludes

From the Head of Junior School

As we approach the final weeks of the school year, our focus in the Junior School turns intentionally toward student wellbeing, guided by our Pastoral Care Framework. This term, we have centred our conversations and classroom practices around three key areas, Safety, Learning, and Respect, all of which help our young people finish the year with confidence, connection, and care for themselves and others.

SAFETY: Digital and Environmental Safety

With excitement growing and routines beginning to shift, we are encouraging students to think carefully about how they keep themselves and others safe, both online and in the physical environment. This includes using technology responsibly, making thoughtful choices about what they share, and recognising when they need time away from screens to maintain balance and wellbeing. Likewise, we remind students of the importance of moving safely through busy spaces, caring for their belongings, and being aware of those around them as end-of-year activities increase.

LEARNING: Collaboration

In these final weeks, collaboration becomes even more essential. Students are asked to support each other, whether by helping classmates, sharing ideas, or simply showing encouragement when peers are tired or feeling the pace of the term. This commitment to shared learning not only strengthens academic outcomes but also nurtures empathy and resilience, two cornerstones of wellbeing.

RESPECT: Respect for Community

As representatives of the College, we want students to finish the year with a strong sense of pride in themselves and their school. Respect for community is reflected in the way they speak to others, care for their environment, and contribute positively to group events and celebrations. When students show respect, they reinforce their own sense of belonging and strengthen our collective culture of kindness and care.

In these final two weeks, our emphasis on Safety, Learning, and Respect supports each student’s wellbeing as they prepare for a well-earned holiday. Thank you for partnering with us to ensure our young people finish the year feeling safe, supported, and proud of all they have achieved.

From the Deputy Head of College – Pastoral

As Semester 2 Examinations conclude, External Examinations come to an end for another year and Challenge Week unfolds with interdisciplinary Middle Years Programme units coming to an end on Wednesday, the Senior School has turned its attention to planning for 2026 and seeking feedback from students about wellbeing.

In Year Level Meetings this week, students were asked to provide feedback with the central question, “If students were in charge of student wellbeing, what would it look like?”

The feedback collected from each year level will be used to inform our decisions around initiatives and programmes implemented for 2026 and our strategic plan for the years ahead. In the first week of Term 1 2026, I will share with parents and students, how we are going to honour our commitment to intentionally implement student voice intoprogrammes that support student growth, belonging and wellbeing.

The Senior School’s Pastoral Care Framework in 2026 will mirror the Junior School pillars – Safety, Learning and Respect. We hope to increase the clarity of our expectations as a whole College and believe that speaking to a singular framework will help to ensure that conversations and communications will help our students to engage in the Somerset community safely and with respect.

Our Pastoral Care Framework will extend into Pastoral Care Groups in 2026, with student voice being a significant aspect.

As we approach the final week of the academic year, we thank our students and families for your ongoing support and commitment to wellbeing at Somerset College.