PD - Tutor Programme
Tutor Programme 2026–2027
Supporting wellbeing, building confidence and developing skills for life.
Our Tutor Programme
At Ferryhill School, our Tutor Programme plays an important role in supporting the personal, social and academic development of every student. Tutor time is an important part of the school day, providing students with a consistent and supportive environment in which to develop positive routines, build relationships, strengthen essential skills and reflect on their wellbeing, progress and aspirations. Our programme reflects our school values of Integrity, Creativity and Excellence, alongside our commitment that Everyone is Welcome. We recognise that education extends beyond academic achievement. Our Tutor Programme helps students develop the knowledge, confidence, communication skills and personal qualities needed to succeed at school and prepare for life beyond Ferryhill. Through a carefully planned programme of reading, numeracy, pastoral activities, assemblies and Life Talks, students are supported to:
Develop positive attitudes towards learning and school life.
Strengthen literacy, numeracy and communication skills.
Build confidence, resilience and independence.
Develop positive relationships and a sense of belonging.
Understand the importance of attendance, behaviour and personal responsibility.
Reflect on their wellbeing, aspirations and future opportunities.
Develop the confidence to communicate, listen and respond respectfully.
Recognise when and how to access support.
Our Tutor Programme is designed to reflect students' changing needs as they progress from Year 7 to Year 11.
Our Weekly Tutor Programme
Our Tutor Programme provides students with a range of carefully planned activities throughout the week. Although some activities are shared across all year groups, the programme is adapted to reflect students' ages, stages of development and priorities.
Our Tutor Activities
Our Tutor Programme consists of five carefully planned activities, each contributing to students' personal, social and academic development.
A Planned Journey from Year 7 to Year 11
Our Tutor Programme is deliberately structured to reflect students' changing needs as they progress through secondary education.
Years 7–9: Building Strong Foundations
During Key Stage 3, our programme focuses on developing positive routines, literacy, numeracy, confidence, wellbeing and a sense of belonging. Students are supported to develop independence, strengthen relationships and establish the skills and attitudes needed for successful learning.
Years 10–11: Preparing for Independence and the Future
As students move into Key Stage 4, the programme places greater emphasis on personal responsibility, resilience, communication, aspirations and preparation for life beyond school.
Life Talks provide opportunities to explore real-life issues, consider different perspectives and develop the confidence to make informed decisions. Pastoral sessions continue to support students' wellbeing, academic progress and future aspirations, including preparation for post-16 education and training.
Developing Oracy Through Tutor Time
Oracy is an important part of our Tutor Programme and wider Personal Development provision. At Ferryhill School, students are not simply given opportunities to talk; they are taught to communicate, listen, reason and respond respectfully through a planned programme.
Through pastoral discussions, assemblies and Life Talks, students are supported to:
Express their views clearly and confidently.
Listen actively and respectfully to others.
Consider alternative viewpoints.
Develop thoughtful and reasoned responses.
Ask questions and explain their ideas.
Disagree appropriately and respectfully.
Reflect on their own opinions and decisions.
These skills support students' learning across the curriculum and help prepare them for further education, employment, relationships and everyday life.
Supporting Wellbeing, Aspirations and Personal Development
Our Tutor Programme provides regular opportunities to reinforce the importance of wellbeing, positive relationships and personal responsibility. Tutors play an important role in recognising students' individual needs, encouraging positive routines and providing guidance and support. Through pastoral activities and wider school provision, students are encouraged to develop resilience, understand how to manage challenges and recognise where they can seek additional help. The programme also supports students in reflecting on their strengths, ambitions and future aspirations. As students approach the end of Year 11, tutor time contributes to preparation for post-16 transitions and reinforces the importance of making informed decisions about future education and training.
Part of Our Wider Personal Development Programme
Our Tutor Programme is an important part of the wider Personal Development provision at Ferryhill School. It complements our dedicated Wednesday Personal Development lessons, which provide students with structured learning about relationships, health and wellbeing, citizenship, equality, personal safety, careers and preparing for adult life. While Personal Development lessons provide opportunities for students to develop and deepen their knowledge and understanding, tutor time helps reinforce important messages through regular discussion, reflection, practical activities and pastoral support. Our assembly programme broadens students' awareness of important issues, celebrates achievement and reinforces our school values of Integrity, Creativity and Excellence. Careers education, student leadership, enrichment opportunities and wider school experiences provide further opportunities for students to develop confidence, independence, responsibility and aspirations. Together, these elements form a coherent approach to Personal Development, ensuring that students are supported both academically and personally throughout their time at Ferryhill. Our aim is to help every student develop the knowledge, understanding, skills and confidence needed to make informed decisions, contribute positively to society and achieve their potential.