What are vertical tutor groups?

At Ralph Sadleir we have a Vertical Tutor Group system, which we refer to as House Groups

What are Vertical House Groups?

House groups are organised into groups of students of different ages – Year 5 up to Year 8. Children with a family connection such as siblings or cousins are in the same House Group.

What are the advantages?

• Smaller House group sizes, resulting in improved relationships and pastoral support.
• An outstanding community atmosphere within the school where everyone is approachable and mutually respectful
• Any perceived obstacles regarding interacting between students of different ages will be removed
• Smaller year group clusters in each House group enabling staff to mentor students more effectively throughout their educational journey, for example focus on Year 5 at the start of the year and Year 8 in the summer term.
• Students are provided with better leadership opportunities (for example buddy reading)

Does vertical tutoring split up existing friendships?

House Group time only accounts for about 1 hour in the school week. Students will see other friends in many of their lessons and during break and lunch times. In compiling the House groups, students’ personalities, interests, abilities and friendships are considered in order to create balanced groups and avoid anyone feeling isolated. We see new friendship groups emerging.

What does this mean for assemblies?

Every other Tuesday there is a whole school assembly. There are also regular House assemblies. These are led by the students.

Are younger students negatively influenced by older students?

Feedback suggests that an “in-group loyalty” develops as students get to know each other and grow in confidence. The staff House Tutors have responsibility for making sure any unacceptable behaviour is addressed and a strong tutor group ‘bond’ is maintained. Evidence across schools that use this system shows that older students who may demonstrate negative behaviour, quickly rise to the expectations upon them and act as a role model for younger peers.

How many students are in a House group?

Each House has 4 groups and each House Group has around 18 students made up of clusters of approximately 4/5 students from each year group. Students will  stay in the same House group for their whole school career to the end of Y8.

How will House Group time be organised?

House Groups meet from 8.40 – 8.55 a.m. each day. Activities include a House Assembly, preparing for House events and competitions and a range of Spiritual, Moral, Social, and Cultural curriculum activities.

How do students of different ages work together and support each other?

In House Groups, students can learn a lot from each other. When Y5 students start their transition to the school they will meet and get to know older students which will reduce some of the anxiety they may have about being the youngest in the school again.

During tutor time discussions about key issues and current affairs, students learn to listen, respect and learn from the views of other students.

Very rarely in the rest of our lives do we operate only with people of the same age as ourselves, so House Groups can be a good preparation for life beyond school.

What other benefits are there to the school community?

The structure offers opportunities to extend House competitions in a range of activities. Recognition and sanctions operate through the Houses, fostering a sense of loyalty and responsibility to others in the House.

House Groups develop positive values and a stronger community ethos.

What role do students have in implementing this?

Our students are able to offer ideas for the InterHouse competitions.

Who decides which House group students are placed in?

Teachers, the, SENCo and the Senior Leadership Team all contribute to the process. The new Y5 students are told which group they are in during their transition day in July.

Who are the House the tutors?

The House Tutors are either teachers or Higher Level Teaching Assistants.