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Curriculum

Tutor Programme

Tutor time Overview

The Tutor Time Programme at Tibshelf Community School plays a vital role in students' personal, social, and academic development. Scheduled at the start of each school day, this programme provides students with a structured environment to connect with their form tutor and peers. It covers a range of activities, including pastoral care, academic support, wellbeing discussions, and social development initiatives.

The importance of tutor time lies in its ability to foster a strong sense of community and belonging, helping students feel supported both emotionally and academically. It offers an opportunity to address individual concerns, monitor student progress, and promote positive behaviours, while also delivering key aspects of personal, social, health, and economic (PSHE) education. This daily interaction allows form tutors to guide students in goal-setting, time management, and building self-esteem, laying a strong foundation for their overall success and wellbeing.

Tutor time is crucial for establishing strong relationships between students and teachers, ensuring each student feels heard and valued. It also serves as a platform for communicating important school news and encouraging participation in school-wide initiatives. In essence, the Tutor Time Programme is key to supporting student development, providing structure, and fostering a nurturing school environment.

Whole Class reading sessions

Literacy is a cornerstone of learning and development in any secondary school, it’s essential not only for academic success but also for preparing students to navigate the wider world. Strong literacy skills enable students to access the curriculum across all subjects, think critically, express ideas clearly, and engage with information effectively. Beyond the classroom, literacy equips students with the tools they need for lifelong learning, problem-solving, and effective communication in their personal and professional lives.

At Tibshelf Community School, we place a strong emphasis on developing literacy through daily reading sessions during form time. This dedicated time encourages students to immerse themselves in diverse texts, improve their reading comprehension, and foster a love for reading. By integrating reading into our form time sessions, we aim to strengthen literacy across the school community, building confident, capable readers who are better equipped to succeed in all aspects of their education.

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Whole school reading list

Reading is a powerful tool that significantly impacts a student’s academic, social, and personal development. Regular reading enhances literacy skills, broadens vocabulary, and strengthens comprehension, which are essential for success across all subjects. It also promotes critical thinking, empathy, and creativity, helping students develop a deeper understanding of the world around them.

Research highlights several key benefits of reading for students. Studies show that students who read regularly tend to have better academic outcomes, including improved writing skills, stronger analytical abilities, and higher performance in exams. Reading is also linked to better mental health, reducing stress, and increasing emotional intelligence, as it allows students to explore diverse perspectives and experiences through literature. Furthermore, research by the National Literacy Trust and other organizations has shown that reading for pleasure is strongly associated with increased academic achievement and greater self-esteem. Students who engage with books are more likely to develop a positive attitude toward learning, enhance their focus, and build the resilience needed for lifelong success.

At Tibshelf Community School, our focus on reading during form time is designed to provide these benefits, encouraging students to read regularly and embrace the long-term advantages of being active, engaged readers. Should students wish to extend this to reading at home we have provided a full list of literature that would be beneficial to each subject area below.