13 / 32
13
very supportive of each other and will
share concerns they have about others
in the boarding house. Also, the boys are
supported by an outstanding Assistant
Housemaster, Mr Cottrell; Matron, Mrs
Carter; and Resident Tutor, Dr Roche
– they always keep their finger on the
pulse of the House. The senior boys in
the House are a fantastic barometer for
current issues and working closely with
them helps me to stay connected with their
concerns. In addition, Mr Cope circulates
bulletins highlighting issues of which we
need to be aware.
The most enjoyable aspect of my role
is working with the pupils and colleagues –
they are inspiring and excellent company.
I learn something new every day.
Making a difference – small or big – is
incredibly rewarding.
Beth Steer
Head of Pupil Wellbeing
My role is Head of Pupil Wellbeing which
includes being Head of PSHE, running the
Peer Listening scheme and being part of
the Chaplaincy Team. I am also a Deputy
Designated Safeguarding Lead along with
Rachel Bellamy.
I have meetings with the Peer Listeners
to find out how they’re getting on and I
do small group work in Houses as and
when it’s requested by the HM. I see the
whole Sixth Form a couple of times a
term for their PSHE lecture series (which
has visiting speakers on various issues)
and often afterwards pupils will want to
come on their own or in small groups to
talk about the issues raised. More often
than not though pupils just pop in for a
conversation!
I meet with James Cope and Rachel
Bellamy every few weeks to think about
the School’s safeguarding policies. Given
that I work in the same department as
Rev Kerr and Mr Bunch (who is the
newest addition to the Peer Listening
team) we are able to catch up on pastoral
issues fairly often. Mr Bunch and I have
also been meeting with the Counsellors
this term to plan the new Peer Listening
training scheme.
I recently attended a training day in
London on adolescent wellbeing and mental
health at which the keynote speaker was
Dr Martin Seligman, a pioneer in positive
psychology. It’s an area of research and
understanding that is constantly evolving
and so there are always interesting books
or lectures to look into. I also find other
members of staff are hugely committed
and helpful in this area; rarely a day goes by
when I don’t get sent a link to a video or
article that’s relevant for PSHE.
Pupils and teachers have a passion for
areas surrounding Pupil Wellbeing. This is
particularly evident whenever we have a
Sixth Form PSHE lecture; the speakers
that we’ve had have inspired devised
drama pieces, EPQ topics, heated debates
in tutor groups and positive action in our
school community. It’s a privilege to see
the adults and young people here so
engaged with the issues that surround
healthy adolescent development.
ST EDWARD’S CHRONICLE
Lisa Walls
House Cleaner
I first come into contact with the pupils
at breakfast time in the Dining Hall when I
have my breakfast and then again when
I go into Kendall to start work.
I make sure the pupils have a
clean home at Teddies and a pleasant
environment in which to live and work.
Also I keep my eyes and ears open and
can discuss any concerns with someone in
the House team.
The thing I most enjoy is knowing
that I am making a difference to
the pupils.
Over the many years I’ve
been at Teddies I’ve made
many friends throughout
the School.