Pastoral
At Harwich and Dovercourt High School, our pastoral care is the foundation of every student’s journey through their five years with us. We are proud of the strong, supportive network in place to ensure that each child is nurtured not only academically, but personally, socially and emotionally too.

Our Pastoral Organisation
Every student at HDHS is assigned to a tutor group, which becomes their daily base and key point of contact throughout their time at school. This group is overseen by a Form Tutor who, supported by our team of Progress Year Leaders, Assistant Progress Year Leaders, and Student Services Assistants, provides consistent care and guidance.
Each morning, tutors lead a structured session designed to support both personal development and academic readiness. These sessions include:
- Daily uniform and equipment checks
- A programme of literacy and reading
- Regular assemblies
- Focused activities supporting our Preparedness Agenda
If a student has any concerns—big or small—their tutor is their first port of call. We believe in early, proactive support and open lines of communication with both students and families.
The Character Curriculum and Our Preparedness Agenda
Our pastoral care is complemented by our Character Curriculum, which underpins everything we do at HDHS. This curriculum is designed to explicitly teach the values, behaviours and mindsets that prepare our students not just for exams, but for life.
We believe that good character is essential for success and fulfilment in adulthood. Through our Preparedness Agenda, we ensure that all students develop holistically, with the knowledge, skills and confidence to embrace opportunities and overcome challenges.
Our Vision
HDHS is a school driven by opportunity. We are dedicated to empowering our students to seize the opportunities presented to them each and every day, so they can live the most fulfilling adult lives possible.
We are proud to serve the young people of Harwich, Dovercourt and our surrounding villages, helping them to:
- Achieve with purpose
- Belong with pride
- Connect with compassion
- Develop with ambition
We are a team of professionals who act each day with compassion and care. Our students matter, and everything we do is rooted in that belief.
The Behaviour and Preparedness Curriculum
To support students in building their character and preparedness, we have set clear expectations aligned with our four key values: Achieve, Belong, Connect, and Develop.
Achieve
- Maintain a positive Attitude Towards Learning
- Bring all necessary equipment, including a reading book
- Collect reward badges for positive contributions
- Complete independent learning tasks diligently
- Maximise learning time in every lesson
- Maintain attendance of at least 94%
- Arrive punctually to all lessons
Belong
- Wear the school uniform correctly and with pride
- Represent HDHS with respect and dignity
- Uphold the school’s reputation in the wider community
- Engage with our enrichment curriculum
Connect
- Show respect to both peers and staff
- Move safely and sensibly around the building
- Use unstructured time responsibly
- Speak and act with kindness
- Communicate clearly and appropriately
- Understand and take responsibility for safeguarding yourself and others
Develop
- Engage with global issues and understand your role in them
- Think about your aspirations for the future
- Take advantage of all opportunities available at HDHS
- Participate in the Big Knowledge Curriculum
- Demonstrate empathy and contribute to your community
- Understand your age-appropriate responsibilities, particularly in relationships
| Staff Expectations | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Good Character | Uniform | Assembly | Moving around the school | Lighthouse/Duty |
|
* Know that we should always model good manners with 'please' and 'thank you' to colleagues and students. * Know that we should model patience by letting any waiting people through a doorway before walking through ourselves. * Know that we should model good practice with greeting students and colleagues with ‘Good morning/afternoon’. * Know that we should model that it is polite to face the person you are talking to. * Know it is important that we model showing gratitude to others by thanking people for what they have done for you. * Know that it is important to model professional language and conduct in front of students and parents. |
* Know that we should consistently ensure that students wear their school uniforms within our policy and it is worn correctly. * Know that we should ask all students to tuck their shirt in around the site and at the end of every lesson as part of the exit routine. * Know that we should all ask students to remove and hand in hoodies / sweat shirts if worn as they are not allowed on site. *Know that we should model professional dress as per the 'Staff Code of Conduct'. |
* Know that we should remind students that they need to enter/exit in silence. * Know that we should ensure student uniform is worn correctly on entry and exit. * Know that we should ensure all students understand and are reminded of the expectations that outerwear is removed to enter assembly. * Know that we should ensure our form group knows their sitting space and in what order they need to enter assembly. * Know that we should inform and regularly remind students of the expectation to enter with a reading book ready and to read in silence until the assembly begins. *Know that it is an expectation to register your form group and supervise them for the duration of assembly. |
* Know that we should model good character by being polite and courteous to colleagues / students with a greeting. * Know that we model good character by opening doors for others. * Know that we encourage students to pick up litter and resources if on the floor or untidy. * Know that we model expectations by always aiming to be on time for our lessons and meetings. *Know that if a student has a Time Out card issued, we remind them of the expectations that they are to remain near the classroom and use the 'Reset' station to support themselves. *Know that we should greet students on arrival and dismiss them on time ready for their next lesson. |
* Know that we need to arrive at all duties on time. * Know that we need to wear our Hi-Vis on all duties. * Know that if we have been allocated a radio / one available in Team Rooms to take on all duties with us. * Know that we support students lining up – one behind the other, quietly when queuing to purchase food. * Know that we remind all students that they need their student ID card out ready. * Know that if we remind students to put all of their own rubbish in the bin. *Know that if we complete a paid lunch duty, we read the daily email from the Lead Duty Coordinator and hand our overtime sheets in on time. |
| Behaviour outside of school | The Learning Environment | Learning Resources | Fire / Lockdown Evacuation | Restoratives & Keep Ups |
|
* Know that we should model being considerate of other people arriving and leaving school. * Know that being considerate means thinking about other people’s needs, wishes and feelings. * We know how to stay safe online and use technology sensibly and safely. * We know who to go to for help and support. * Know that we are polite and kind to each other on social media and in messaging groups. * Know that to support all colleagues we do not email after 6pm unless urgent safeguarding or it is going 'up the chain' * Know that we model good professional behaviour when with students and parents/carers. * Know that we have our social media platforms in a private setting at all times. |
* Know that we model good character by being respectful of the learning environment. * Know that we model how to take care of displays and ensure all standard displays are in place within our classrooms. * Know that we model good character by placing all litter in a dustbin. *Know that we model good practice by not using our personal mobile phones / earphones openly during the school day in front of students. * Know that we greet students at the door and encourage all students to not spend time in the corridor when they should be in class. * Know that if students leave the class to regulate, we encourage them to use the RESET points or their agreed safe space. * Know that we do not leave the classroom unsupervised. *Know that we model good presentation and respecting equipment by the way we look after books when taken in for feedback and marking. |
* Know that we should encourage students to bring their own basic equipment every day and part of being a form tutor is to check this each morning. * Know that we should encourage every student to always have a reading book with them and part of being a form tutor is to check this each morning. * Know that we should encourage KS4 students to bring their practice folders with them every day and part of being a KS4 form tutor is to check this each morning. * Know that we lend pens out to any student who needs one, but they are expected to hand it back in at the end of the day / lesson. |
* Know that we leave the building as quickly, calmly and safely as possible. * Know that we head straight to our Evacuation Number to meet our tutor group / allocated area if not a tutor. * Know that we encourage and remind all students to wait in silence to be registered. * Know that we encourage and remind all students to remain in a straight alphabetical line until we are given further instructions. |
* Know that a fresh start next lesson is always an option for every student. * Know that we need to approach all restorative conversations calmly, respectfully and being ready to listen. * Know that we need to leave what has happened and focus on moving forward. * Know that we need to be supportive and consistent when dealing with unregulated students and using our HDHS Staff Script will support this. |
| Social Times | Attendance & Punctuality | ATL | Homework | Diversity & Inclusion |
|
* Know that we remind students to not ‘play fight’ because they may hurt someone by accident. * Know that we remind and encourage students to be kind, by including people in their games and sharing equipment. * Know that we model good character by being polite and respectful to all duty/canteen colleagues. * Know that when the bell rings for the next lesson we support students leaving social areas before we head to our next lesson/event. * Ensure that students have the correct passes to access any clubs or areas within the main building. |
* Know that you must try to attend school every day. * Know that you must try to arrive at school on time every day. * Know that we ensure students are informed and then reminded regularly that attending school on time every day is important so that they don’t miss important learning. *Know that we ensure students are informed and then reminded regularly that they will be recognised for good attendance as well as good punctuality. |
* Know that we must score students ATL every lesson while on an ATL Tracker. *Know that we regularly give feedback on students' ATL within our lessons and student recognition events are linked to this feedback. * Know that students need to be fully equipped for lessons to achieve an ATL 3 or 4. * Know that students need to complete all tasks set to the best of their ability to achieve an ATL 3 or 4. * Know that students need to be on time to your lesson to achieve an ATL 3 or 4. * Know that students need to wear the correct uniform to achieve an ATL 3 or 4. * Know that homework needs to be completed for a student to achieve an ATL 3 or 4. * Know that students need to work independently without you prompting them to achieve an ATL 4. * Know that students need to ask you for extra work to achieve an ATL 4. * Know that students need to complete additional tasks outside of lessons and homework to achieve an ATL 4. * Know that we must inform and regularly remind students that they will be recognised for having an average ATL of at least 2.8. * Know that we must inform and regularly remind students that they will not be able to represent the school with at ATL of less than 2.4. |
* Know that we support students to be able to log in and use any online platforms linked to homework. * Know that we ensure that any homework being set is officially logged on Satchel One. * Know that a student cannot achieve an ATL 3 or 4 without completing your homework. |
* Know that all staff and students need to be respected and included. * Know that we need to model that we all have different abilities and different needs but we are all equal. * Know that at times some students will need reasonable adjustments to expectations. * Know that there is no place for prejudice behaviour or language at HDHS and all such behaviour will be dealt with seriously. |
| Parent Expectations | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Good Character | Uniform | Assembly | Moving around the school | Lighthouse/Duty |
|
* Know that we should always model good manners and patience when communicating with staff. * Know that we should model that it is polite to face the person you are talking to. * Know it is important that we model showing gratitude to others by thanking people for what they have done for you. * Know that it is important to model professional language and conduct in front of students and other visitors on site. |
* Know that we should consistently ensure that students are provided with and wear their school uniforms within our policy and it is worn correctly. * Know that we should encourage all students to tuck their shirt in. * Know that we should not allow students to wear a hoodie / sweat shirts to school as if worn they will be confiscated as they are not allowed on site. |
* Know that we should ensure students have a reading book with them every morning as the expectation is to enter with a reading book ready and to read in silence until the assembly begins. |
* Know that we should support good character by reminding students that they should be polite and courteous to colleagues / students with a greeting. * Know that we model good character by opening doors for others. * Know that we encourage students to pick up litter and resources if on the floor or untidy. * Know that we model expectations by always aiming to be on time. * Know that if a student has a Time Out card issued, we remind them of the expectations that they are to remain near the classroom and use the 'Reset' station to support themselves.
|
* Know that we support students by reminding them of the lining up expectations– one behind the other, quietly when queuing to purchase food. * Know that we remind all students that they need their student ID card out ready and if their ID card is lost a new one needs to be ordered ASAP on ParentPay. * Know that if we remind students to put all of their own rubbish in the bin.
|
| Behaviour outside of school | The Learning Environment | Learning Resources | Fire / Lockdown Evacuation | Restoratives & Keep Ups |
|
* Know that we should model being considerate of other people. * Know that being considerate means thinking about other people’s needs, wishes and feelings. * We know how to stay safe online and use technology sensibly and safely. * We know who to go to for help and support. * Know that we are polite and kind to each other on social media and in messaging groups. * Know that staff may not respond to email and telephone communication immediately, we aim to always respond within 24 hours. * Know that we model good professional behaviour when with students and other members of the community. |
* Know that we model good character by placing all litter in a dustbin. * Know that we support and encourage good practice by reminding students that they are allowed to bring mobile phones into school, but they must not be seen around the school and should be switched off and out of sight. In addition the ability to record audio and/or video throughout the school day is strictly prohibited. * Know that we encourage all students to not spend time in the corridor when they should be in * Know that we should encourage students to bring their own basic equipment every day. * Know that we should encourage every student to always have a reading book with them. * Know that we should encourage KS4 students to bring their practice folders with them every day. * Know that if we are a visitor on site during a fire alarm, we cannot leave the site but we follow the evacuation procedure and leave the building as quickly, calmly and safely as possible. * Know that we encourage and remind all students to wait in silence to be registered. * Know that we encourage and remind all students to remain in a straight alphabetical line until we they are given further instructions. * Know that a fresh start next lesson is always an option for every student. * Know that we need to approach all restorative conversations calmly, respectfully and being ready to listen. * Know that we need to leave what has happened and focus on moving forward. *Know that we need to be supportive and consistent when dealing with unregulated students and using our HDHS Staff Script will support this. 11 class. * Know that if students leave the class to regulate, we encourage them to use the RESET points or their agreed safe space. |
* Know that we should encourage students to bring their own basic equipment every day. * Know that we should encourage every student to always have a reading book with them. * Know that we should encourage KS4 students to bring their practice folders with them every day. |
* Know that if we are a visitor on site during a fire alarm, we cannot leave the site but we follow the evacuation procedure and leave the building as quickly, calmly and safely as possible. * Know that we encourage and remind all students to wait in silence to be registered. * Know that we encourage and remind all students to remain in a straight alphabetical line until we they are given further instructions. |
* Know that a fresh start next lesson is always an option for every student. * Know that we need to approach all restorative conversations calmly, respectfully and being ready to listen. * Know that we need to leave what has happened and focus on moving forward. *Know that we need to be supportive and consistent when dealing with unregulated students and using our HDHS Staff Script will support this. |
| Social Times | Attendance & Punctuality | ATL | Homework | Diversity & Inclusion |
|
* Know that we remind students to not ‘play fight’ because they may hurt someone by accident. * Know that we remind and encourage students to be kind, by including people in their games and sharing equipment. * Ensure that students have the correct passes to access any clubs or areas within the main building. |
* Know that we should support and encourage students to try to attend school every day. * Know that you must support and encourage students to arrive at school on time every day. * Know that we ensure students are informed and then reminded regularly that attending school on time every day is important so that they don’t miss important learning. * Know that we ensure students are informed and then reminded regularly that they will be recognised for good attendance as well as good punctuality. |
* Know that students on an ATL tracker will bring it home daily, please ask to see the tracker and discuss scoring. *Know that staff regularly give feedback on students' ATL within our lessons and student recognition events are linked to this feedback. * Know that students need to be fully equipped for lessons to achieve an ATL 3 or 4. * Know that students need to complete all tasks set to the best of their ability to achieve an ATL 3 or 4. * Know that students need to be on time to your lesson to achieve an ATL 3 or 4. * Know that students need to wear the correct uniform to achieve an ATL 3 or 4. * Know that homework needs to be completed for a student to achieve an ATL 3 or 4. * Know that students need to work independently without you prompting them to achieve an ATL 4. * Know that students need to ask you for extra work to achieve an ATL 4. * Know that students need to complete additional tasks outside of lessons and homework to achieve an ATL 4. * Know that we must inform and regularly remind students that they will be recognised for having an average ATL of at least 2.8. * Know that we must inform and regularly remind students that they will not be able to represent the school with at ATL of less than 2.4. |
* Know that we support students to be able to log in and use any online platforms linked to homework. * Know that a student cannot achieve an ATL 3 or 4 without completing homework. |
* Know that all staff and students need to be respected and included. * Know that we need to model that we all have different abilities and different needs, but we are all equal. * Know that at times some students will need reasonable adjustments to expectations. * Know that there is no place for prejudice behaviour or language at HDHS and all such behaviour will be dealt with seriously. |
| Staff Expectations | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Good Character | Uniform | Assembly | Moving around the school | Lighthouse/Duty |
|
* Know that we should always say ‘please’ when we are asking for something. * Know that we should always say ‘thank you’ when we receive something, or someone does something nice for us. * Know that we should let any waiting people through a doorway before walking through ourself. * Know that we should say ‘Good morning/afternoon’ to adults if spoken to. * Know that it is polite to face the person you are talking to. * Know that it is important to show gratitude to others by thanking people for what they have done for you * Know that being responsible means being able to be trusted to do the right things that are expected of you without supervision. * Know that swearing is unacceptable in school and will result in a consequence.
|
* Know that we wear school uniforms within our policy, and it is worn correctly. * Know that your shirt should always be tucked in. * Know to bring your correct PE kit as appropriate. * Know that hoodies / sweat shirts are not allowed on site. |
* Know that we enter/exit in silence. * Know that we ensure uniform is worn correctly on entry and exit. * Know the expectations that outerwear is removed to enter assembly. * Know your form's sitting space and in what order. * Know the expectation to enter with a reading book ready and to read in silence until the assembly begins. |
* Know that we are polite and courteous to adults / other children with a greeting. * Know that we open doors for others * Know that we pick up litter and resources if on the floor or untidy * Know that we knock on and wait for permission to enter a room (where appropriate e.g., staffroom, office, another classroom) * Know that in the corridor we do not run * Know that we are always aiming to be on time * Know that if you have a Time Out card issued the expectations are to remain near the classroom you have left and use the 'Reset' station to support yourself. |
* Know that we line up – one behind the other, quietly when queuing to purchase food. * Know that we need our student ID card ready. * Know that we say please and thank you to all the canteen and duty staff. * Know that if we put all of our own rubbish in the bin. |
| Behaviour outside of school | The Learning Environment | Learning Resources | Fire / Lockdown Evacuation | Restoratives & Keep Ups |
|
* Know that when we are wearing our school uniform, we are representing the school community and must always behave responsibly and respectfully. * Know that we should be considerate of other people arriving and leaving school. * Know that being considerate means thinking about other people’s needs, wishes and feelings. * Know that examples of being considerate on the way home include walking not running, using our bikes / scooters sensibly, giving people plenty of space, using a quiet voice not shouting. * We know how to stay safe online and use technology sensibly and safely. * We know who to go to for help and support. * Know that we do not ride our bike until we leave the school gates. * Know that we are polite and kind to each other on social media and in messaging groups. |
* Know that we are respectful of the learning environment. * Know to take care of displays. * Know to place all litter in a dustbin, do not walk past. * Know to walk around school in a quiet, sensible manner. * Know that students are allowed to bring mobile phones into school, but they must not be seen around the school and should be switched off and out of sight. In addition the ability to record audio and/or video throughout the school day is strictly prohibited. * Know that we do not spend time in the corridor when we should be in class. * Know that if we leave the class to regulate, we use the RESET points or our agreed safe space.
|
* Know that we should bring our own basic equipment every day. * Know that we should always have a reading book with us. * Know that we should bring our practice folders with us every day (KS4). * Know that any of your books can be called at any time for a student book check. * Know that any resources lent to us need to be looked after and returned before the end of the lesson. |
* Know that we leave the building as quickly, calmly and safely as possible * Know that we head straight to our Evacuation Number to meet our tutor group * Know that we wait in silence to be registered * Know that we remain in a straight alphabetical line until we are given further instructions |
* Know that a fresh start is always an option next lesson. * Know that you need to approach all restorative conversations calmly, respectfully and being ready to listen. * Know that we need to leave what has happened and focus on moving forward. * Know it is your responsibility to know when / where your Keep Up is and that you attend. * Know that Keep Ups are designed to ensure you are not left behind and you have the same opportunities. |
| Social Times | Attendance & Punctuality | ATL | Homework | Diversity & Inclusion |
|
* Know that we do not ‘play fight’ because we may hurt someone by accident. * Know that you must be kind, by including people in your games and sharing equipment. Know that someone who is kind behaves in a gentle, caring, and helpful way towards other people. * Know that you must listen and be respectful to all duty staff. * Know that when the bell rings for your next lesson you need to go straight there in order to avoid being late. * Ensure you have the correct passes to access any clubs or areas within the main building. * Do not get involved in any socially unacceptable behaviours. |
* Know that you must try to attend school every day. * Know that you must try to arrive at school on time every day. * Know that attending school on time every day is important so that you don’t miss important learning. * Know that you will be recognised for good attendance as well as good punctuality. |
* Know that you must try to achieve the highest ATL in all lessons. * Know that you need to be fully equipped for lessons to achieve an ATL 3 or 4. * Know that you need to complete all tasks set out by your teacher to the best of your ability to achieve an ATL 3 or 4. * Know that you need to be on time to lesson to achieve an ATL 3 or 4. * Know you need to wear the correct uniform to achieve an ATL 3 or 4. * know that homework needs to be completed to achieve an ATL 3 or 4. * Know that you need to work independently without your teacher prompting you to achieve an ATL 4. * Know that you need to ask your teacher for extra work to achieve an ATL 4. * Know that you need to complete additional tasks outside of lesson and homework to achieve an ATL 4. * Know that you will be recognised for having an average ATL of at least 2.8. * Know that you will not be able to represent the school with at ATL of less than 2.4. |
* Know that you need to ensure that you know how to log in to Satchel One to access all your homework. * Know that it is my responsibility to check daily for homework that has been set / homework deadlines. * Know that it is important to attempt all homework by the deadline. * Know that it is your responsibility to speak to your teacher and ask for support with homework before the deadline if needed. * Know that it is your responsibility to know your log in details for all online platforms and that you need to ask for support from tutor or teacher if you forget these. * Know that you cannot achieve an ATL 3 or 4 without completing homework. |
* Know that all staff and students need to be respected and included. * Know that we all have different abilities and different needs, but we are all equal. * Know that at times some students will need reasonable adjustments to expectations. * Know that there is no place for prejudice behaviour or language at HDHS and all such behaviour will be dealt with seriously. |
Contact the Pastoral Team - 2025/2026
If you need support, or would like to contact a member of our pastoral team, please use the details below:
Year 7
| Mrs Hammett | Student Support Assistant |
| Mrs Maasz | Assistant Progress Leader |
| Mrs Bradshaw | Progress Leader |
Year 8
| Mrs Mason | Student Support Assistant |
| Mrs Hughes | Assistant Progress Leader |
| Miss Antonio-Garcia & Mrs Green | Progress Leader |
Year 9
| Mrs Rawe | Student Support Assistant |
| Mrs Ashworth | Assistant Progress Leader |
| Mrs Honeyman | Progress Leader |
Year 10
| Mrs Wells | Student Support Assistant |
| Mrs Harris | Assistant Progress Leader |
| Mr Day | Progress Leader |
Year 11
| Mrs D McDermott | Student Support Assistant |
| Mrs Beynon | Assistant Progress Leader |
| Mrs Abbott | Progress Leader |
Miss K McDermott works in our Student Support Team and supports the following Year Groups on the following days:
Monday and Tuesday - Year 10 Team
Wednesday & Thursday - Year 7 Team
Friday - Year 9 Team