At NELVCI, we recognize and respect the role of family as the child’s first teacher. We also acknowledge the important role played by community organizations and groups in supporting child and adolescent development. With this understanding, we accept our school’s vital role in optimizing the health and well-being of all students.
The goal of our pastoral care program is to develop children and young adults with the self-belief, desire and skills to engage confidently, capably and compassionately in an ever-changing world. Our program guides students to make informed choices; respect themselves, others and the environment; develop skills to be optimistic and to cope with life’s ups and downs; embrace diversity; and lead balanced healthy lifestyles.
At NELVCI, pastoral care is embedded into every facet of school life – the interactions and relationships between the students themselves, between teachers and their students, between support staff and students, and between the community and school. These everyday connections model respect, consideration and care for one another.
We structure the students’ Years 1 to 6 schooling experience in three phases of two years each. Each phase of our pastoral care program has specific emphases:
The focus of our program for the early adolescence years develops students’ knowledge and skills to adopt a can-do attitude to life, to want to lend a helping hand, and to become increasingly independent and self-managing. Our House System and related activities emphasize:
- leadership development – such as public speaking, organizing events, role modeling and providing peer support
- belonging and teamwork
- school spirit
- developing and applying academic behaviors
- making strong choices, – such as saying no to bullying, making ethical decisions, coping with peer pressure, responsibility for online safety
- the importance of balance in a healthy lifestyle – such as through involvement in clubs and hobbies
- social skills – such as through school socials, sports and excursions
Phase 2: Year 7 and Year 9
In Years 7 and 9, we introduce our I-Prepare program while continuing to build on the emphases of the first phase.
I-Prepare focuses on career counseling and pathways to academic success through Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses. While we emphasize the importance of intrinsic motivation in being involved and making a contribution, successful completion of some of the co-curricular programs will contribute towards the attainment of the Certificate of Education (CAE) as Endorsed Programs.
The final two years of secondary school are necessarily focused on preparing children on achieving the WAEC. This phase calls on students to develop, practice and apply what they have already learned about effective academic behaviors, social and emotional well-being, and maintaining balanced, healthy lifestyles.
This phase is also a time when the school provides opportunities for students to engage in social activities for young adults such as the school ball, and to explore post-school study and career options.