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All pupils joining St. Paul’s College will be assigned a Form Teacher. This member of staff will be their main contact in the
College and for the first few weeks of the new term will oversee Year 8 pupils in terms of canteen, buses, curricular issues, etc. All pupils in Year 8 will have the opportunity to use the school canteen twenty minutes before other pupils so that they can comfortably have their lunch in their new surroundings.
An Induction Booklet is sent to every prospective year pupil during the summer months giving a detailed breakdown of the school day. The booklet also addresses frequently asked
questions and answers such as what a pupil should do if they have forgotten their P.E. gear or lunch. We have found that this booklet has been very effective in reducing pupil stress levels before they transfer to the post primary sector.
Year 12 students, including prefects are trained to act as mentors to junior pupils. A male and female Year 12 prefect
is linked to each form class in Year 8. The older students look out for their link students in Year 8 and help them with the
practical issue of moving classes, adjusting to the two week timetable. They also listen to any concerns they have in terms of friendships and settling in.
One of the highlights of the first term for Year 8 students is a two day, residential activity break, in Woodhall Outdoor Pursuit Centre, Kilrea. This residential allows students to cement friendships, make new acquaintances and work as a team in the varied and stimulating programme of activities on land and water. Most year 12 students who are leaving the school still cite that first trip as the most memorable and exciting learning experience of their school careers.
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