Building successful relationships

Through our PSHCE curriculum, students learn to interact respectfully and thoughtfully with their peers. Every week, students take part in PSHCE discussions in relational circles guided by their form tutor. Much of the PSHE is taught through scenarios and supporting students to script how they might respond when confronted with these in real life. This helps them develop the ability to listen and respond respectfully to other views.

Through the PSCHE curriculum in all year groups and during our thorough induction programme at the start of each academic year, students are explicitly taught how to maintain healthy friendships and other forms of age-appropriate relationships. This includes maintaining a safe online presence and avoiding the misuse of phones and social media. Our Home-School Contract sets out clear guidance on phone use. Mobile phones are banned in school. This means that students spend their recreation time socialising with others face-to-face. During our induction programme at the start of each academic year and periodically in ‘refresher’ sessions, students take part in lessons about socialising in a kind and respectful way.

We are proud to have an outstanding co-curricular offer at Trinity with extremely high participation from students. The experience of taking part in these clubs with other students builds confidence and resilience, as well as deepening friendships.

Use of carefully structured classroom talk is embedded at Trinity. Students are frequently invited to discuss the learning with their peers through Turn and Talks and then share with the wider class. This builds their confidence to articulate their ideas and to speak publicly.

Tailored interventions are run by our pastoral and learning support colleagues for students who show signs of needing additional support with emotional regulation and relationship building. Students who have been involved in unkind behaviour are supported through impact clinics and restorative conversations.