Page 23 - Seaford Sixth Form Experience 2024

Lara Stitt
Director of Student Personal Development at Seaford College
Tell us about your role?
We have an excellent pastoral system at Seaford; No. 46 (Seaford’s wellbeing centre) , our Academic Access and Achievement Department, and a strong PSHE spiral curriculum all feed into the network that supports our young students. My role focuses on health and wellbeing, relationships, and living
in the wider world – helping everyone to navigate their way through formal education and the many curveballs that this brings – as well as preparing the students for life after Seaford. This is achieved through our weekly personal
development lessons, which are full of class discussion and enhanced by frequently inviting guest speakers in to share their knowledge and experiences. The tutor teams deliver a wide range of subjects to enable students to make their own informed decisions. Furthermore, I am Staff Chair of the Student Council and Charity Council, whilst also supporting the Sixth Form prefects and peer mentors.
How do you gauge progress?
Listening and responding to student voice is essential. Through close liaison with all tutors, Heads of Year, and boarding houseparents, the students are always at the centre of our planning and implementation of change. Using surveys and the various student councils, every child can play an active role in the running of our community. All our students are willing to represent the school at open mornings and parent evenings. We know our students are tolerant and understanding of so many social issues because the visiting parents tell us. Seaford students speak confidently and from the heart. We ensure they are well informed to take their place in society by the time they leave our Sixth Form.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
What I really enjoy is that I can spend quality time with as many students as possible. Being a visible presence around the school means that the students feel they can approach me with anything; if I cannot help directly,
I know where to signpost them. I have the freedom to work alongside all departments in the school – this is a privilege. I spend time in the Prep School developing charity connections. I teach in the Middle School and help students navigate through the confusing path of adolescence. Inviting guest speakers that I know will resonate with people is a real joy. I have met some amazing people who share powerful stories that help shape students’ lives. Not everyone will appreciate every PD Lesson or guest speaker they encounter, but there is always one, and that is enough for me. At Seaford, we know that every child has value, and my job is to ensure that they feel that both inside and outside of the classroom.
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.”
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