Tutor Time

All students at the academy belong to a tutor group. Each year group consists of several tutor groups, led by a dedicated Head of Year who provides pastoral support. While students often remain in the same tutor group for a period of time, groups may change as students progress through the academy to reflect their development and ensure they receive the most appropriate support. This approach helps to maintain strong relationships while ensuring that every student is known, valued, and understood as an individual.

Students meet with their tutor group every day during tutor time. This provides a valuable opportunity to reflect on the academy’s core values: Empathy, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility. Tutor time activities are varied and engaging, including collective reflection, year group assemblies, and Weekly Wellbeing sessions. These sessions explore important topics such as healthy lifestyles, anti-bullying, and environmental awareness.

Reading forms a central part of tutor time, with 20 minutes of daily dedicated reading. Tutor groups are carefully organised based on reading ability to ensure that all students receive bespoke support tailored to their individual development needs. Reading programmes are designed using up-to-date and engaging themes, which help to foster a love of reading while supporting students in making strong progress.

Tutor time also provides students with the opportunity to prepare fully for the day ahead. Students are supported in checking their equipment, ensuring correct uniform, and engaging in a wellbeing check with their tutor or Year Leader. A free breakfast is available before tutor time, ensuring all students are ready, focused, and prepared to learn.

In addition, tutor time includes activities designed to strengthen key academic skills beyond the classroom. Students regularly develop their numeracy by exploring real-life applications of number, and they are supported with effective homework and revision strategies to help them succeed in their independent learning.

Students also take part in Professional Standards sessions, where they explore the purpose behind the academy’s routines and expectations. These sessions emphasise the importance of consistency, structure, and personal development, with a strong focus on wellbeing. The Professional Standards at TAG are: Conduct, Dedication, Organisation, Pride, and Values. Through these sessions, students understand not just what is expected of them, but why these expectations support their success and personal growth.

Time spent in tutor groups plays a central role in creating a sense of belonging and familiarity for our students. It supports their emotional and social development while ensuring they receive consistent pastoral guidance to help them succeed both academically and personally.

If you would like to discuss your child’s progress or wellbeing, please do not hesitate to contact their Year Leader.