The Role of Heads of Year (HoYs) | Developing the Wellbeing and Social Development of Students.

At Mandurah Baptist College Senior School, HoYs play an important role in taking responsibility for a year group cohort.

Defining the role

The role of a HoY can be categorised into three main areas of responsibility; academic, pastoral, and behavioural, and in this capacity has a key role to play in the development and maintenance of educational and behavioural standards, wellbeing and social development of students within the College.

(i) Academic

HoYs take an interest in the academic progress of the students in their year group.
They monitor the timetables and general workload of individual students and groups of students in order to be able to support them when and where necessary.
They set educational activities inside and outside the College for the year.
HoYs monitor and communicate with parents regarding the work of individual students in order to appropriately support each student.

(ii) Pastoral

HoYs oversee the orientation of new students commencing at the College. They introduce them to other students in their year group and assist in making them feel welcome and safe at the College. They help to set up key relationships with other staff that may be of benefit to them, for example, with the College Chaplains.
They oversee the extended Pastoral Care Group program for their year group, including links to the Protective Behaviours Curriculum and applicable social and emotional wellbeing programs.
HoY’s act as a resource person for students and staff in matters which apply horizontally across the year. They provide help and support where necessary and help facilitate communication with others if necessary to the situation.
HoYs are there to give students an additional caring adult other than their Pastoral Care Group Teacher to whom they may turn in an emergency where, for some special reason, the Pastoral Care Group Teacher may not be an appropriate mentor.
They also organise recreational activities inside and outside the College for the year i.e. camps, socials, games, excursions, visiting speakers, involvement in House events. This helps to build community and relationship withing their year group.
HoY’s work with their Student Leadership group to encourage them, educate them in leadership responsibilities, help the Student Leaders build College culture, implement new ideas and where appropriate facilitate fundraising initiatives.

(iii) Behavioural

HoYs generally oversee uniforms and standards of behaviour amongst their year group.
They monitor and communicate with parents regarding the discipline of individual students and are available for parents to contact them if they are needing support or have questions regarding a behavioural issue.
They also encourage all students to help maintain standards in dress, manners, College values and duties.

In summary

A Head of Year has the responsibility for the morale, demeanour and conduct of the year group cohort.

Valme Batley | Deputy Principal – Student Care