Page 34 - Handbook for House Staff Aug2024

A Summary of Malvern College’s Response to Everyone’s Invited and Related Issues
Pupil leadership is crucial in generating a culture of respect which is grounded in the Malvern qualities of kindness, open- mindedness and self-awareness. We understand that there is a link between low level behavioural issues and more serious issues. We are trying to nurture a ‘speak up culture’ where all members of the community are comfortable to raise issues and to discuss them. We realise that we need to be vigilant and to constantly work at this. We recognise the responsibilities of all staff to educate pupils and to protect them. Staff are important role models, and we need to engage all members of the school community, including parents. Co-education should be fully embedded across all aspects of the College. We are aware that all children will make mistakes and boys should be seen as part of the solution and not the problem. A lot of negative behaviour manifests itself online and we are working to improve our education in this area. We need to build better listening mechanisms to improve our awareness of pupil experiences. This is a summary of actions so far:
• Start-of-term briefings to all pupils. Reminder of rules and behaviour expectations. Emphasis on speak-up culture. Reminder of people that pupils can speak to e.g. DSL team, counsellors, HouseM, tutors, independent listeners etc.
• L6th Leadership training sessions (led by Deputy Head Pastoral) highlight these issues.
• Whisper. An anonymous way for pupils to raise issues and to alert the safeguarding team.
• Heads of Houses (boys and girls) often visit all Houses to discuss the issues of racist, homophobic and sexist language
• DSL team visits to Houses and conversations with pupils about the issues experienced.
• Discussion at Thrive meetings (Thursdays 7pm) to discuss proactive pastoral care – attended by large numbers of pupils and staff.
• ‘Empower Her Voice’ pupil group set up by pupils. This group has met with the SDH and their suggestions have been discussed by the pastoral team, particularly in regard to having a dedicated well-being space. Period products have been distributed to toilets in classroom buildings by this group too. The new Well-Being Room is being set up under the Chapel.
• Anonymous comments boxes have been used in some girls’ houses for girls to report their experiences. This has been useful and issues have been followed up the safeguarding team. However, there are limitations with anonymity and the boxes haven’t been widely used.
• Assemblies delivered to all year groups in the Summer Term by Empower Her Voice on the issue of rape culture.
• Chapel addresses by the Chaplain to all year groups. They were powerful and stimulated pupil discussion.
• The Life Skills curriculum is continuously reviewed by Mrs Andrews (Head of Life Skills) and Mr Faulkner (Deputy Head Pastoral). The curriculum covers stereotypes, the Equality Act, preventing sexism, consent and sexual harassment.
• Lighting on campus reviewed by Estates Department. Brighter light bulbs have been fitted to many lights.
• Staff INSET with Chloe Combi and workshops with Remove pupils. Please see ‘Report into Malvern College Remove Pupils: Insights and Recommendations’.
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