Pastoral Care and Wellbeing

The transition into Sixth Form can sometimes be overwhelming and we aim to support students both academically and pastorally. Students begin each school day with their tutors, and also benefit from the robust and comprehensive pastoral care of the Sixth Form Achievement Team.

The Senior Leader of Sixth Form is supported by a Leader of Achievement for Year 12 and one for Year 13.  There is also an Achievement Manager who frequently acts as a first point of enquiry for Sixth Form students and parents.

Whilst encouraging academic aspiration goes without saying, at the very heart of the Sixth Form Team is pastoral care and wellbeing support. The Sixth Form team is on hand to ensure that students get the advice, support, opportunities, and information needed to thrive at Cowbridge School and be prepared for the world ahead, in whatever direction that might be.

We operate an open door policy, as we know that communication is vital for all students to flourish and prosper in all that they do. We ensure that there is regular contact between school and home relating to academic progress, wellbeing and achievement. 

The following key aspects are in place to support the wellbeing of our students: 

• extensive pastoral support for student wellbeing and achievement; 

• a dedicated Achievement Team; 

• a dedicated school counsellor for guidance and support; 

• a Careers Officer, offering support and advice on Career Paths

Attendance

Healthy attendance is vital for academic success. Sixth Form students have more freedom than students in compulsory education; however, Sixth Form students are expected to attend all timetabled lessons, assemblies and enrichment activities during the school day and throughout the academic year. Year 12 students are also required to attend registration period every day, whereas Year 13 students must attend once per week on a Wednesday morning.

Attendance at individual lessons is monitored by the Sixth Form Team. An attendance level of 96% or above is expected and students not achieving this level will be placed on attendance report with the expectation that improvement must be made if they are to be allowed to continue their studies at Cowbridge School.

We do understand that, sometimes, being absent from school is unavoidable, for example, as a result of illness. If a student is unable to attend lessons due to unexpected circumstances, the parent / carer must contact the Sixth Form office, by ringing 01446 776718, before 9am on the first morning of any absence, and every day thereafter until the student is able to return. 

Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA)

Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) is an income-assessed weekly allowance of £40 to help students with the cost of further education. It is paid every two weeks directly into the student’s bank account, as long as students meet the School’s attendance requirements. 

Receipt of EMA will not affect any benefits which are currently paid to your household. Students can find out more by visiting www.studentfinancewales.co.uk. The application form is available from the Sixth Form Office and should be returned as soon as possible. If it is not received within 8 weeks of starting your course, you may lose out on back-dated EMA payments. If students are entitled to an allowance, they will be notified by EMA Wales. 

Students must satisfy attendance and progress targets in order to qualify for weekly payments. The award of EMA is regulated by the Welsh Assembly Government; the School simply administers the system by monitoring attendance and targets and by passing this information on to the Welsh Government.