We believe the individual care that boys receive at Arnold House is second to none. Looking after the boys and ensuring they feel safe, secure and happy is at the heart of everything we do. With an atmosphere of kindness and care we have a strong sense of ‘family' ensuring that each boy feels nurtured and valued.
Our dedicated team of staff play an essential role implementing the carefully structured pastoral programme which is an integral part of our school life. Each boy is given a form and their tutors provide an extra layer of individual care and attention, enhancing the experience of each child. A tutor’s primary role is to focus on the wellbeing of your son and is readily available to talk to you about any matter pastoral or academic. In the younger years the class teacher undertakes this role for the whole class. The tutor and tutee relationships are special as they form a vital link between the family and the school. The boys’ wellbeing and personal progress is carefully monitored by their tutor and head of year, this includes all boys form Y2 to Y8 taking a wellbeing survey twice a year. Crucially at Arnold House, we consider the quality of relationships between our staff and pupils to be the key to our success.
Good work, helpfulness and positive behaviour are rewarded with industry and citizenship house points which are totalled each term and a cup awarded to the house with the most points. Our four houses, Wellington, Pitt, Nelson and Brunel also compete in sports and chess competitions throughout the year. The house system creates a sense of belonging, teamwork and a feeling of camaraderie for all boys. As a school, we work hard to develop our boys’ inter-personal skills and there is strong emphasis placed on good manners, kindness and consideration for others.
Through our assemblies, form times and comprehensive Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) curriculum the boys learn about personal wellbeing, thus developing their understanding of their own mental and physical health. Children’s’ Mental Health Week is also an important date in our school calendar as we come together as a whole school community to raise awareness about this topic.
Boys are encouraged to get involved in all areas of school life, both in and out of the classroom. By doing so they discover their own interests and passions, thus developing their individuality and a healthy self-esteem. It gives them down time from academia and this contributes greatly to their wellbeing, and also their attainment. The friends the boys make through these extra-curricular activities are often different to the ones
with whom they spend most of their school day. This exposure to a wider range of opinions and experiences can help to broaden hearts and minds. We learn a great deal about ourselves from trying new things and facing new challenges, so these activities give the boys an opportunity to ‘have a go’ and try something new. If needed, they can help the boys to find a language and a means to express themselves or to work through difficult feelings they might not otherwise have the capacity to manage.
At Arnold House there is one member of the school with whom everyone wants to be friends, and that is Arnold the School dog. It is no surprise that everybody wants to spend time with him; he is easy to get along with, full of energy, always has a positive attitude and as if that was not enough, he looks like a teddy bear. And while Arnold might not be able to analyse a poem or recite his seven times tables, he has an important
role to play inside and outside the classroom: improving the boys’ wellbeing. Numerous studies have shown that a dog can have a positive effect in a school and Arnold is a loved and valued member of our school community.
We are committed to supporting each of our pupils to ensure their experience at Arnold House is a happy and successful one. We believe the “character education” we provide all our pupils is fundamental to the all- round education which we pride ourselves on. Pupil wellbeing is embedded in everything we do and boys are encouraged to contribute to all aspects of school life. They learn the joys of sharing activities with others in work, play, sport, music and drama. It is the School’s aim to ensure that boys leave Arnold House as confident, discerning, tolerant and courteous young men, who have been valued as individuals themselves and who, in turn, have grown up to value other people.
By promoting mental health and wellbeing, at Arnold House we provide our boys with the tools they need to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
The key outcomes of this are:
Improved Academic Performance: Boys with strong mental health are better able to concentrate, stay engaged in learning, and persevere through challenges, leading to consistently high academic achievement.
Stronger Social Relationships: Boys tend to form healthier relationships, demonstrating greater empathy, teamwork, and communication skills, which contribute to a positive school environment.
Enhanced Emotional Regulation: This equips boys to handle stress, anxiety, frustration and the feeling of feeling overwhelmed effectively. This emotional control helps them navigate social, academic and personal challenges.
Increased Engagement and Motivation: A positive mental state fosters a deep sense of purpose and motivation in school. Boys with strong mental health are more likely to actively participate in class discussions, extracurricular activities, and school events, enriching their learning experience.
Reduced Behavioural Issues: Boys are less prone to disruptive behaviours, creating a more focused and positive learning environment for themselves and their peers.
Higher Self-Esteem and Confidence: With strong mental health, boys develop a robust sense of self-worth, empowering them to tackle new challenges with confidence and persist in tasks that demand effort and resilience.
Long-Term Success: Boys are more likely to achieve long-term success in education, careers, and personal relationships. They are also less at risk for mental health issues and social difficulties in adulthood.
Improved Resilience and Coping Skills: Boys develop effective coping strategies to manage stress, anxiety, and setbacks, preparing them to handle the complexities of adolescence and adulthood with confidence.
Natalie Hall
Director of Wellbeing,
Head of English, Year 6 Form Tutor