A Network of Care

The welfare and care of our students is of paramount importance. Students need to have close care and support, both inside the classroom and in the wider school community.

• All students at Sunderland will be treated in a respectful and dignified way at all times.
• Parents are encouraged to make a meeting time after school with their child's teacher and discuss any issues they may have.
• A series of planned parent/teacher interviews are organised twice a year by Sunderland.
• Values teaching at Sunderland is a strong focus, encouraging students to treat others with respect, honesty, consideration and care.

Developing School Spirit - House System

At Sunderland we have four houses: Findlay, Fleming, Tong and McDonald. Houses are a major focus at Sunderland. We have various inter-house competitions, such as swimming, athletics and talent quests. There are also annual Primary School and Secondary School Speech Competitions that focus on prepared and impromptu speeches from the students.

Houses meet in assemblies each week. Student House Leaders play an active role at these assemblies as well as taking on leadership responsibilities. All houses will support a charity from outside the school community that aims to foster in students a sense of community responsibility.

Assemblies

Whole School Assemblies, Primary or College and House Assemblies are a feature of Sunderland. Assemblies are times when we get to meet and share the special ethos of our School, promote our students' many talents and celebrate our student successes.

Vertical forms in College

The vertical Form Class will have a range of age groups from Years 8 to 13 all from the same house. Each class has a Form Teacher and this teacher will have continuity with this class for six years. A buddy programme operates within each form class. The class meets formally three times each week for half an hour. Year 7 students have their own form class.

Form Teachers

Form Teachers look after College Forms. Their task is to provide a base of acceptance and good human relations that will help their students grow into responsible members of the community. Form Teachers take general responsibility for the welfare of students in their form class and endeavour to establish a relationship whereby the students can turn to them for initial advice, assistance or guidance.

Deans

The Deans have overall responsibility for student welfare and academic progress within their House. Mrs Susan Jackson is the Year 7 and 9 Dean and Mrs Cathryn Warden is the Year 9 to 13 Dean.