Each pupil in the Academy is a member of one of three houses – Abbotsford, Eildon and Tweed. Each house is the responsibility of two principal teachers of Pastoral Care. They are responsible for making sure that every pupil gets the best from their time in Galashiels Academy. Every attempt is made to ensure that brothers and sisters are allocated to the same house and to the same Pastoral Teacher. Pupils in Sixth Year have their own Pastoral Teacher in recognition of their position in the school.
Pastoral Principal Teachers
If you are in Abbotsford House, then your pastoral care teacher may be either Ms Clarkson or Mrs Catto. If you are in Eildon House, then your pastoral care teacher may be either Mrs Gelder or Mr Beaton. If you are in Tweed House, then your pastoral care teacher may be either Mrs Allan or Mr Aitken.
Pastoral Principal Teachers Duties
It is the duty of your pastoral care teacher to
- check that you settle in to school satisfactorily
- help you with your choice of courses at critical points in your school career
- discuss your progress and report cards
- ensure that you are working to the best of your ability
- and, when necessary, give guidance with personal problems
You can ask to see your Pastoral Care teacher at any time. The Pastoral Teacher, if unavailable, will arrange an interview as soon as possible. Your parents have the opportunity to consult with Pastoral staff at parents' evenings and they may also phone to arrange an appointment to see your Pastoral Care teacher at any other time throughout the year.
Depute Headteachers
Your Pastoral Care teacher would normally be the first person to contact if you have a problem. Members of the Senior Management are also available if you mum, dad or carer thinks a discussion with one of them seems more appropriate. Each Depute Headteacher is allocated to a House, mainly for the purpose of dealing with discipline matters. At present, Mr Ryalls has responsibility for pupils in Abbotsford House, Mr Anderson has responsibility for pupils in Eildon House and Mrs Brown has responsibility for pupils in Tweed House.
