Vertical tutoring – FAQs (and answers!)

When did this happen? 

When we moved to a vertical system as we moved into the new building

Why did the change take place?

A group of staff and students spent the last two years researching support systems in other schools – we have found that the benefits of small sized mixed age groups for tutorial sessions outweigh any concerns. Schools using the vertical system report better attendance, better results, improved relationships and fewer incidents of bullying.

When do the vertical tutor groups meet?

They meet once a day for 20 minutes, effectively replacing the traditional registration period with the tutor.

Will students be taught in vertical groups?

There are no plans to teach students in vertical groups at the moment

How many students is there in each group?

17-20

Are all year groups be represented in each tutor group?

It is planned that a vertical tutor group will be made up of 2-4 students from each year group

How many houses are there?

There are 6 houses with approx. 14 tutor groups in each house.

Who leads the house?

Each house is led by a Head of House

Who are the tutors?

Any member of TRS staff may be a tutor

Will my children be in the same house?

It is planned to put students in the same family in the same house to make communications easier

Will my children be in the same tutor group?

Not unless there is a special request so this will be looked at on a case by case basis

Is there a different uniform?

Students houses are identified by the writing at the bottom of the logo on the school jacket.

Who should I contact if there is a problem in school?

If it is subject related then the class teacher is the point of contact – more general queries can be directed to the tutor in the first instance and the HOH thereafter.

How will the tutor support my son/daughter?

The tutor will have daily contact with the students so will be able to monitor academic progress and wellbeing. The tutor will have a mentoring role and will follow out assertive mentoring programme that has proved so successful with year 11 this year.

How will the school support students in year-specific events such as year 9 options?

There will be capacity for both house and year assemblies so that specific cohorts of students can be given appropriate guidance at relevant stages. Members of the student support team will have particular responsibility for providing information, advice and guidance at key points in a student’s career.

Will students be with their friends in their new tutor groups?

We will endeavour to consider student preferences for tutor group placement and hope that students will be able to be with at least one friend. However, staff will be conscious that students may feel very uneasy about this change initially and will be providing plenty of opportunities for team building activities at the start of term. One of the key values of the schools visited is the warmth and closeness of the small tutor groups.

Where will the tutor base be?

Tutor bases will be grouped as houses in the new building. This will allow flexibility and creativity in tutor time.