Pastoral Care

From the moment they arrive, our girls lead happy, fulfilled lives. Our modest size creates a strong community spirit where unhappiness does not go unnoticed for long. Clear lines of communication within school and with parents enable us to resolve quickly, and with the minimum of fuss, any problems which do arise.

Form Tutors meet the girls every day and keep a watchful eye over their progress and wellbeing. Our “Open Door” policy allows girls to discuss their ideas or concerns with the Assistant Heads, the Head of Sixth Form or the Headmistress if they wish. Before she arrives in Year 7, each girl is paired up with a Sixth Form “buddy” who welcomes her on the first day and keeps in touch with her over the following two years to make sure she feels at home. Every day girls in the Senior School spend time with their forms, learning how to be part of a team, developing tolerance and respect for others and making lifelong friends. Each form chooses a different charity to support every year, leading assemblies and organising fund raising activities. Girls also enjoy a strong “family” spirit across the year groups through the House system, joint educational visits, social events and the annual Senior School dramatic productions. In the Sixth Form, girls also have the opportunity to take on a position of responsibility as Head or Deputy Head Girls, Heads of Houses or Games Captains.

Seeing the girls happy and active in school is at the heart of everything we do. Happy, active girls are more likely to succeed and go on to enjoy rich and happy adult lives.

From time to time girls struggle to cope with the pressures of modern life.  Exams, friendship and family problems and the media can all put pressure on them.  At Dunottar we work hard to create a climate within school which helps girls to cope with and  these stresses.    Very occasionally, girls may need more support than we offer in school.  Below you will find some useful links to support sites where additional expert help or counselling can be sought. 

http://www.firstsigns.org.uk/  - a network which provides guidance on how to cope with self-injury
http://www.samaritans.org/your_emotional_health/work_in_schools.aspx  - the Samaritans website which offers support strategies for young people with emotional problems
www.counselling-directory.org.uk  - a counselling support network which provides guidance on how to find counselling support