High standards of pastoral care are at the heart of Cordwalles. This dedication to our boys’ wellbeing is reflected in every aspect of school life – our ethos, the environment for learning, and the way we foster personal development in all aspects of school life.
Pastoral care forms the essential foundation upon which learning can take place. We want our boys to feel safe and happy at school to be able to achieve their full potential.
The Cordies Families concept allows boys to build relationships in small groups of boys from Grades 1 – 7. There are two to three boys from each grade in every Cordies Family. All the boys in the family are from the same school house, as is the teacher assigned to the family.
We have approximately twenty families, each led by Grade 7 boys. The teacher assigned to each family is merely there in a supervisory capacity to support the Grade 7s where necessary.
Our spiritual intention is to nurture boys with empathy for others; boys who are respectful, kind and generous; boys who are resourceful and make a difference to our world.
Cordwalles is an Anglican Church School. As such, we seek to ground all of our activities in faith and prayer. While we welcome and respect boys from other religious traditions or from no specific religious tradition, the Chapel plays a central role in the school. It is compulsory for ALL the boys to attend Assemblies, weekly Chapel services and any other Christian celebrations. Chapel services and School assemblies will include Christian scripture and prayer.
In our assemblies and chapel services, we emphasise core values:
Our school chaplain ministers holy communion and delivers a message on special days such as Ash Wednesday, Easter Service, Ascension day, and our Christmas service. Twice a term, boys from grades 4-7 attend a service of Holy Communion as part of their spiritual development. Boys are instructed in the significance of Holy Communion. However, although all must attend the service receiving the Sacrament is entirely voluntary. No boy may receive the Sacrament without the specific permission of a parent.
Boys in the Boarding establishment are encouraged to end their day with prayer. On Sunday nights, we have an informal chapel service for our boarders, and every Wednesday evening, we deliver an inspirational spiritual message to the boys.
All teaching in all lessons will reflect Christian values and beliefs, though boys will be encouraged to understand and respect other beliefs in a way appropriate to their age.
No boy will ever be asked to say or do anything against his personal religion or beliefs. We recognise other celebrations and encourage children from different cultures and faiths to share their personal stories. In Grade 2, we spend lesson time focusing on celebrations and religious holidays in various faiths. Inclusivity extends beyond culture and faith, and children with specific needs are also an important part of our school.
