Mintlaw Academy, like all schools, is concerned with the all round development of pupils.  The academic progress of pupils cannot be separated from their social and emotional growth.  Therefore, the school accepts a responsibility to provide an environment where the wider needs of every pupil are acknowledged and addressed.  Developmental Guidance is based on identifying and meeting these personal needs and helping pupils deal successfully with their concerns.  At its centre is the desire to help pupils build healthy lifestyles and take responsibility for their own future.  Relationships between all members of the school community and provision of support form the basis for effective guidance as pupils develop through adolescence towards adulthood.

The Objectives of Guidance within Mintlaw Academy

1. To ensure that every pupil knows and is known personally and in some depth by at least one member of staff.  This includes the systematic monitoring of their educational progress throughout the school.

2. To provide every pupil with a source of guidance and advice on a wide range of issues including curricular issues at the transition stages of their education and to respond quickly and appropriately to the specific needs of individuals.

3. To provide a structured programme of personal, social and careers education which will help pupils to be aware of their own development and accept responsibility for it, as well as developing consideration for others and self confidence.

4. To liaise effectively with the home in all aspects of every pupil's development and with support or welfare services when appropriate.

The Guidance Programme is a key whole school issue and involves everyone within the school community:

Senior Management Team - by setting out the expectations for the ethos of the school, the SMT will help to provide an environment in which the aims of Guidance can be achieved.  Through the Guidance Co-ordinator the effectiveness of Guidance will be evaluated and reviewed.

Departments and Classroom Teachers - every teacher has an important part to play in guidance.  This will include the standards and practices set within departments as well as the personal relationships built up within each teaching group.  Staff involvement in extra-curricular activities will also be significant and the positive supportive environment cultivated.

Register Teachers - by their daily contact with a small group of pupils Register Teachers will have a key role in the success of Guidance and in ensuring all pupils are known and their needs identified and met.

Principal Teachers of Guidance - in addition to personal contact with pupils in their house, they will co-ordinate appropriate responses to identified needs.  Through the provision and delivery of the PSE they will have responsibility for much of the Guidance programme.

Parents - the guidance programme is designed to complement the role of parents.  Regular and positive two-way communications will be maintained between school and home.

External Agencies - the expertise and skills of external agencies is recognised and their contribution to the Guidance programme, as appropriate, will be encouraged through regular contacts.

Principal Teachers of Guidance

Aden  Mr Peterson
Brucklay Mrs Richards
Deer  Miss Shirran
Mormond Mrs Robinson
Ugie  Mrs Whitehead