Pastoral Care
We provide an outstanding standard of pastoral care throughout the School.  With an excellent base of well-qualified and dedicated teachers, we ensure that there is always somebody for our pupils to talk to if necessary.  Junior pupils have class teachers and seniors have form tutors.  In addition there are mentors, Heads of each Key Stage, two Deputy Heads and the Headmistress.  We see our pupils’ well-being and safety as crucial to the enhancement of their learning.

A co-ordinated Social, Moral, Spiritual and Cultural (SMSC) course is taught throughout the school, as well as Citizenship in the Senior School. These programmes include study skills and consideration of social and moral issues that encourage pupils to develop their personal skills to become fulfilled and responsible citizens. Pupils in Years 10 and 11 receive timetabled careers guidance to prepare them for life beyond Normanhurst.

There is a strong Learning Support department that works closely with individuals requiring extra help in lessons, and dyslexic pupils receive specialised support where necessary.  The Gifted and Talented programme challenges pupils to achieve their full potential and ensures that they continue to achieve success.

Above all, Normanhurst is a happy school.  Pupils of all ages quickly develop confidence, respect and responsibility and are continually guided through their transition into adulthood.

Assessment and Reporting
Formal and informal assessment is made of pupils’ progress in each subject area throughout the School.  Pupils are given clear guidelines, often as personal targets, as to how they can develop areas of work that need attention. 

The partnership between parents, pupils and the School is extremely important.  Each term parents receive a formal communication either by a series of subject reports or through Parents’ Evenings.  Parents are always welcome to contact the school at any time if they wish to discuss any matters of concern.

Homework
Timetabled homework is set on a regular basis for all pupils, the amount varying according to age and subject.  The School places great emphasis on homework because it develops self-discipline and the ability to study independently, both of which attributes are essential for further success in life beyond Normanhurst.  Assignments might reinforce or extend work undertaken in the classroom or provide an opportunity for detailed research using the internet or libraries.   Homework Diaries are provided to record details of the tasks to be completed and allow a two-way communication between home and School.

Responsibility
Some pupils become School Prefects when they reach Year 11.  This is an important role as they assist the Headmistress and her staff with a variety of tasks and set an example to younger pupils and their peers.  This extra responsibility nurtures their leadership skills and helps with their transition into adulthood.

The School has a flourishing School Council that consists of representatives from the Junior and Senior School.  The Council meets regularly with the Headmistress to discuss ways to improve school life further.  This develops leadership skills and opportunities for self-expression and public speaking.

The House System
All pupils from Nursery to Year 11 are divided into two Houses.  House Competitions in sports, Music and Drama are regularly held to give pupils the chance to represent their Houses.  There is a rewards system throughout the School that encourages pupils to attain high standards in work and behaviour and to earn House Points.  

Religious Education and Assemblies
We welcome pupils from all faiths and cultures.  Religious Education is part of our curriculum throughout the School and lessons aim to foster a balanced knowledge of, and respect for, all major religions.

Regular assemblies are held for all pupils.  The emphasis is broadly based on Christian values and tends to be ecumenical and moralistic in approach.  Harvest Festivals, Carol Services and Easter Services are held in the local Parish Church.

Charity Work
All pupils are encouraged to help organise and support a range of activities to contribute to local and national charities.  In doing so we feel it is important to raise their awareness that there are people in the world less fortunate, and that people’s practical needs can be met.

Some of our chosen charities have been: Macmillan Cancer Research, Barnardos, NSPCC, British Heart Foundation, Poppy Appeal, Lifeboats and Children with Leukaemia.