Page 23 - Seaford Sixth Form Experience 2019

Lara Stitt
Director of Girls’ Provision at Seaford College
Tell us about your role
We have an excellent pastoral system at Seaford, Academic Access and Achievement, and we have the Pink House which everyone is aware of but it’s quite nice to have one person that they can come to as more of a co-ordinator to make sure that they are getting the best help. My role is to make sure that their wellbeing is taken care of at all times.
How does your role work with that of a Houseparent?
With the Houseparents, I work quite closely with Miss Le Barth up in the girls’ Mansion. We have to make sure that as many girls had access to boarding as possible. There’s a trend in Year 11 where, when they feel that their exams are coming close, they really do want to move into a more secure routine and board.
They enjoy the fact that we have set prep times in
the evenings as well. I work with Miss Le Barth to make sure that as many girls get in to the house as possible, at the right time.
I work in the boarding house one night a week and that’s been a fantastic opportunity to see some of the girls that I see struggling in lessons, actually relaxing and enjoying the house environment. I think it’s really important that we see both sides of that.
What do you enjoy most about your new role?
What I really enjoy is that I can actually spend quality time with some of the girls that really need it. They know where I am now, so I’ve got a safe base for them to come, and it’s developing that familiarity so now they know that if there is something that they want to talk about. They also have their tutors, Heads of Department and Heads of Year, I’m here specifically for them. I think it’s made a real difference.
I’ve developed a couple of little drop-in groups for girls who don’t necessarily have much to say but they just want to catch up, much like you would do when you’re at home, if you want to sit round the table with your family.
Angela Loten Careers Advisor
“There is a lot of focus in the Sixth Form on university applications. Not everyone wants to go down this route and this is where I’m available to discuss careers paths. Apprenticeships are increasingly popular as well as joining a company training scheme.”
21