February 2010

Dear Parents/Guardians,

Vertical Tutoring in 2010

CLICK HERE to view the Vertical Tutoring leaflet

In September 2010, Cooper School will be changing to a Vertical Tutoring system. Currently, our pastoral system is organised by year groups, as it has been for many years. The change will see mixed-age tutor groups across the whole school, with 3 to 4 students from each year group in each new tutor group. Each tutor group will belong to one of 5 Houses.

The change will bring about benefits to the ways in which the students work with each other and take responsibility for each other, although it will in no way change any of the teaching groups in the school. A vertical pastoral system will create a greater sense of community amongst the students, allowing older students to act as role models who may organise activities for younger students or acts as mentors to them. Younger students will gain from the relationship through having more formalised time spent with older students, whether they are discussing issues that matter to them or taking part together in House competitions.

As with any change, students may ask questions or express initial concerns. However, I believe that this will be an exciting opportunity for students to develop their roles in school life and contribute to the Cooper community and beyond. For more detail and FAQs, I refer you to the attached leaflet, Vertical Tutoring Information for Parents. I look forward to your support in this matter, as ever.

Yours sincerely,

Ben Baxter

Headteacher