At ISML, student wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do. We recognise that ensuring students’ personal, social and emotional development is crucial in enabling them to become active participants in learning.
The pastoral dimension of ISML involves all students and all adults associated with the life of the school. Together, they contribute to the establishment of a positive academic and social climate in which students are supported and nurtured to thrive and achieve.
Pastoral practices at ISML dip into the knowledge of the learning sciences and of child development, and incorporate trauma-sensitive approaches to understand and support the diverse needs of our students. We value children’s social and emotional competence as much as their academic success.
Through evidence-based pastoral care practices and collaboration between the various members of our school community, we aim to meet the following objectives:
- To ensure all students feel safe, happy and competent
- To promote a sense of belonging in students
- To nurture students to become respectful and responsible citizens
- To foster the development of students’ interpersonal and communication skills
- To enable all students to achieve their full potential
Pastoral initiatives at ISML Primary include, but are not limited to:
- Student Council
- School newspaper
- Garden projects
- Digital citizenship training
- Nurture practices
- Restorative approaches
- Relationship and Sex Education RSE
- Afterschool activities
- Community projects
- Diversity awareness activities
Positive Discipline
To promote positive student behaviour at ISML, Positive Discipline practices and tools are used within every classroom. By weaving the teaching of social-emotional skills and character development into the fabric of each and every school day, we help our students to become responsible, respectful and resourceful members of their communities.
KiVA anti-bullying programme
Staff at ISML embed a safe and respectful response in every student interaction and expect students to do the same with their peers. As part of the whole-school approach to prevent bullying, students at ISML engage in elements of ‘universal actions’ from the KiVa programme.
Through guided discussions and learning-by-doing activities, students are helped to build their capacity to behave in a constructive manner in social interactions and to take responsibility for supporting vulnerable peers. Implementation and monitoring of the programme is overseen by trained KiVa practitioners at the school.
Please refer to the ISML Primary Pastoral Care Policy for more comprehensive information.