Wellbeing and Pastoral Care
At AGSB, our core values—Respect, Responsibility, Resilience, and a Love of Learning are at the heart of everything we do. Respect for each individual and taking responsibility for one's actions are woven into our pastoral care and safeguarding procedures.
AGSB strives to nurture empathetic, self-aware individuals equipped to protect themselves and support others. By providing leadership opportunities, the school fosters a spirit of togetherness, care, and compassion. Open dialogue between students and staff is encouraged, creating an environment where students feel safe, respected, and heard. When behaviour incidents arise, a balanced approach ensures that the needs of all involved are addressed with care, helping to resolve issues constructively and prevent them from recurring.
Inclusion, tolerance, and diversity are cornerstones of the community at AGSB, playing a vital role in creating a harmonious and supportive environment for all. Embracing these values ensures that every student feels valued and respected, regardless of their background or beliefs. By fostering a culture of acceptance and understanding, AGSB helps students develop a broader perspective, encouraging them to appreciate differences and learn from one another. This commitment to diversity enriches the educational experience and strengthens the bonds within the school community, promoting a spirit of unity and cooperation essential for personal growth and collective success.
Supporting the well-being of AGSB staff is a priority. Staff are regularly consulted through questionnaires, and management decisions are made with workload and well-being in mind. The school promotes open, non-judgmental communication, ensuring that every member of staff feels valued and listened to. Staff receive ongoing training in safeguarding, adhering to guidelines from Trafford and the annual "Keeping Children Safe in Education."
Parents play a crucial role at AGSB and are encouraged to share any concerns about their child's safety and happiness. Through regular parent questionnaires, the school gauges its effectiveness in ensuring students' well-being. Any concerns are addressed openly, with a commitment to working together with parents and external agencies to achieve the best outcomes for all involved.
AGSB collaborates closely with Trafford First Response Teams, participating in local Safeguarding meetings and receiving monthly updates. A School Counsellor is available two days a week, and students can be referred by staff or self-refer for support. The school provides assistance to students identified through various channels, including emotional or behavioural challenges, external agency referrals, peer-on-peer abuse, SEND recommendations, and observations from staff or the Pastoral Team. Older students, in particular, are encouraged to seek support as they navigate personal challenges.
A dedicated Governor at AGSB oversees Safeguarding, with regular termly meetings of the Welfare and Safeguarding Committee and a similar Staff Committee. These meetings ensure that Governors are kept informed about safeguarding, exclusions, attendance, and attainment.
The strong relationships between staff and students are the foundation of AGSB's community. The rich curricular and extracurricular offerings at AGSB reinforce a sense of belonging and shared purpose. Students join AGSB at age 11 and are guided to maturity at 18, leaving with happy memories, feeling safe and fulfilled. During their time here, students are regarded as part of the AGSB family, nurtured to reach their full potential.
Mr. J Whiting
Deputy Headteacher – Pastoral
Meet the TeaM
PHOTO | TITLE |
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Mrs H Short |
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Mr A Flanagan |
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Mr A Sampson |
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Mr R Cammack Head of Year 10 |
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Mr D Birchall Head of Year 11 |
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Dr Z Hepden Head of Year 12 |
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Mr C Kidd |
OTHER SOURCES OF INFORMATION:
The following sources may also be useful for further information:
- NSPCC
- CEOP (Child Exploitation and Online Protection)
- Childline
- Kooth
- Educate Against Hate