Middle School

welcome to the

middle school

My name is Chris Johnston and I am the Head of Middle School. I have two deputies, Laina Hickey and Danny Rowland, and together we are responsible for pupils’ pastoral care and academic progress through their two important GCSE years.

In the Middle School, each form has a form tutor who has been carefully selected because of their ability to work with pupils in the Fourth and Fifth Forms, who remains a pupil’s tutor during the two years. As in other sections of the School, tutor groups will have about 24 pupils, and each form has a form prefect who works with the tutor on both administrative and pastoral duties, including acting as a mentor to selected pupils.

As well as registering pupils twice a day, tutors will also see pupils for tutor periods every Tuesday and Thursday, and some Wednesdays. During this time, tutors will pass on important information and will use the time to further broaden a St Albans School education. In both years, this will include discussion of the term’s PSHEE topic, activities and conversations to support the development of the School Values, and the organisation of charity projects.

In the Middle School, we realise the importance of goal setting and encouraging pupils to consider their aspirations for the future. As part of the ongoing careers guidance programme, all Fourth Form pupils will complete the Morrisby Profile – an aptitude test – during the Summer Term. This is followed by a one-to-one conversation with their tutor to review the profile and discuss future plans, including A level choices and beyond. We also have a full programme of support to aid pupils in achieving their ambitions.  Miss Hickey, Mr Rowland and I work closely with tutors, subject teachers and the Learning Support Department to ensure that all pupils are empowered to reach their full potential.

Recognising the importance of soft-skill development, we also run a Middle School Leaders programme through which pupils develop their team-working and leadership skills. In the Fourth From, this is through membership of the Charity Committee, embodying the School’s motto, Non Nobis Nati. Whilst in the Fifth Form pupils are trained as Lower School Mentors, whereby they provide a peer support for younger pupils in the community. 

There are many opportunities available for pupils to make the most of in Middle School. Alongside studying for 10 GCSE subjects, they have access to a full range of co-curricular activities, including the Silver Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. We actively encourage all pupils to participate in the co-curricular programme, as we believe it is an integral part of their education and furthers the development of values such as courage, organisation and reflectiveness, which are essential for success in the classroom and beyond. Pupils also have the opportunity to undertake the Higher Project Qualification, which encourages an inquisitive and industrious attitude and will enable them to develop their independent study skills.

Regular Middle School Assemblies tackle important concerns and topics facing pupils and combine with the PSHE programme to develop their empathy and mindfulness about the School, local and global community. Recent Middle School assemblies have included: Goal-setting; Resilience; Managing Risk; Physical and Mental Health and Wellbeing; Study Skills and Internet Safety. PSHE during the Middle School covers topics such as: Diversity; Risk Taking and Self Control; Healthy Relationships and Mental Health.

St Albans School believes in a holistic education, and through its pastoral, academic and co-curricular endeavours, we hope that all Middle School pupils will develop the qualities of self-discipline, ambition and integrity, which will enable them to flourish during their time throughout the School and in their life beyond.