Annual Report 2017–2018 | Page 21

Crofton House School 19 STRENGTHENING SUPPORT AT EVERY GRADE CHS Head of Grade Program in the Senior School Supporting the way girls learn best at solution to better equip them for each stage of growth and development success. “We created a Day One and a is a priority at Crofton House. The Day Two binder with four tabs in each Head of Grade Program, introduced to cover eight subjects,” she explains. in the 2017-2018 school year, provides “Now, we require that teachers monitor grade-specific support and oversight and do a binder check at the end of the for students through a designated week to keep the girls on track.” teacher. “The Head of Grade is someone who is thinking about the experience The Head of Grade is also in a position of the girl at a very specific age and to turn developmental knowledge stage,” says Lois Rowe, Deputy Head into proactive support. Aimee- and Director of the Senior School. Claire Lees, Head of Grade 9, saw “They are the experts of the grade that students sometimes struggled experience for girls and have a sense with friend groups through the first few months of the year. In response, of all of the dynamics of that grade.” she developed a number of advisory Heads of Grade are able to create activities designed to break down continuity and provide information cliques and boundaries early on. “It’s through the Advisory and Iv y about knowing when stress times Compass programs to best support are,” she says. “Are they overloaded students. In partnership with those with assessments or challenges with programs, the Head of Grade’s role is friends? Knowing those pressure about identifying grade-wide issues points throughout the year is key.” and implementing solutions – big and While Head of Grade programs are small. common in other independent schools, For example, Christina Cuk, Head of Crofton House is unique in that Heads Grade 8, noticed that the transition to of Grade will stay in their specific the Senior School sometimes meant grade instead of moving through the students experienced challenges with Senior School with each class. “While organization and so come up with a advisors progress with a small group of girls throughout their Crofton House Senior School journey, the Head of Grade is the constant for a specific grade. That way when an advisor moves into a grade the Head of Grade can help them with what a girl in that grade needs,” says Lois. “It’s a way of making sure the program is delivered consistently while continuing to refine the curriculum and programs for the grade.” “The Head of Grade program provides grade- specific support and oversight for students through a designated teacher.”