Pastoral Care at BBSG
02 Jul 2025
From Editor
At Benenden School, our sister school in the UK, A Complete Education rests on two fundamental pillars: academic excellence and pastoral care. Whilst academic excellence propels students to greater heights, pastoral care cultivates the inner resilience to journey further.
Embracing Benenden School's century-old approach, BBSG has developed a comprehensive 360° pastoral care system that empowers students to develop self-awareness, establish personal goals, and realise their full potential.
This past year, our pastoral care team cultivated BBSG's unique community culture through thoughtful initiatives that demonstrated care in everyday moments.
From the Charity Book Fair, combining reading with giving, to Mental Health Month's journey of self-discovery, our community came together in meaningful ways. Students expressed gratitude during November's Thanksgiving activities, learned about healthy sleep habits through engaging World Sleep Day events, and promoted respect and kindness during Pink Shirt Day and the Miles of Kindness in our Anti-Bullying Week. The Mood Fair also provided a joyful opportunity for everyone to de-stress and brighten their daily routines.
However, pastoral care extends far beyond organised activities—it's woven into the fabric of daily school life, especially in Junior Secondary years, when students face both increasing academic demands and the challenges of early adolescence. During this transformative period, strong pastoral care becomes essential in helping students develop positive values, emotional resilience, and healthy self-management skills. Our comprehensive support system guides students through these formative years, laying a strong foundation for their future growth.
Through the stories of three Junior Secondary students, we see how these seemingly small moments play a vital role in their personal growth and development.
Building a Positive Community
Our pastoral care system nurtures a warm, inclusive learning environment, fostering a shared identity that ensures every student feels part of the family from the outset.
The pastoral team initiated "You in My Eyes", an activity encouraging students to view their peers through fresh perspectives.
Jeffrey J (G8), arriving from a northern public school, encountered significant transitions in academics, boarding life, and cultural adaptation. BBSG's multi-dimensional support system - encompassing homeroom guidance, academic monitoring, and community engagement - facilitates swift student integration. Termly team-building events and icebreaker activities help students forge meaningful connections.
Jeffrey (far left) and his classmate completing a team-building challenge
Jeffrey's homeroom teacher invited classmates to suggest an English name during a homeroom meeting. The name "Jeffrey" emerged organically, becoming a bridge to his new environment. Moreover, each class implements a buddy system pairing new students with established BBSG peers to ease daily transitions.
Empowering Student Development
At BBSG, pastoral care permeates every staff member's approach - from homeroom teachers and subject instructors to counsellors and houseparents. Together, they form a robust support network responding attentively to individual developmental needs.
A professional counselling team and all school staff count in a supportive Pastoral Care System
Tamara T (G7) excelled in humanities but her homeroom teacher recognised her talent in technological creativity. Encouraged to join the VEX Robotics team, Tamara developed exceptional logical thinking and teamwork skills. Her team subsequently qualified for the 2025 VEX Robotics World Championship in Dallas, USA.
Tamara (second from right) competing with her teammates in VEX Robotics competitions
During this critical developmental stage, gentle encouragement from her teacher and coach helped Tamara discover her broader potential.
Tamara took the stage at the Science Festival, sharing her VEX Robotics journey with peers
Supporting Academic Success
BBSG's small-class teaching and inclusive teaching pedagogy are integral to pastoral care, ensuring personalised academic support.
Sharon L, recognised by her Chinese teacher for her literary appreciation, was recommended to the Battle of Books. Initially struggling with bilingual Science classes, her dedicated teacher provided tutorial sessions, helping her overcome language and academic challenges. Sharon ultimately achieved not only excellent results but also developed genuine confidence and passion in this subject.
Sharon exploring the elements of news writing in Chinese class
Our partnership with Benenden School reinforces our shared belief that there isn’t a framework that fits everyone. Personalised support must be intricately woven into each student's developmental journey. Whether navigating school transitions, personal growth, or academic pursuits, thoughtful care builds students' inner security, empowering them to explore the world with confidence and courage.