Personal, Social and Health Education and Citizenship

The programme enables Loretto to be proactive in the social education of the pupils.

The Second Form through to the Lower Sixth Form have one session each week devoted to this subject largely led by a member of staff. Each group has approximately 12 pupils from the same year group but, as far as possible, is mixed according to gender, House and previous school. Because of the nature of the discussions, care is taken with the matching between teachers and their groups and between group members.

Where appropriate, outside counsellors or speakers are used to enrich the programme. We have also used the Theatre Groups and Dance Groups to illustrate, in an entertaining way, some of the issues involved in both social education eg smoking and drinking and in relationships.

All year groups' programmes include education on drugs, alcohol, tobacco and sex. Other areas covered within the programme include bullying, the pressures of puberty, communication skills and interview techniques.

Upper Sixth Life Skills

The recent introduction of a Life Skills Programme has enabled the Upper Sixth to be better prepared for life beyond Loretto. Financial management, knowledge of the Law, Personal Protection and Goal Setting are all covered.

Loretto Family Forum

This is an informal meeting, usually termly with the parents of one or more year groups of the School in order to discuss the above programmes or hear about their children's social education.

This is an excellent time for parents to meet each other in an informal atmosphere, to swap ideas with each other and the staff.

Child Protection

Following the passing of the Children (Scotland) Act in 1995, Loretto has appointed Duncan Wylie. A written policy on dealing with child abuse has been drawn up. Duncan Wylie also directs the PSHE/Citizenship programme.

All staff are trained in the recognition of child abuse and given guidance as to appropriate action. Regular staff training will keep staff up to date with policy.

It should be noted also that the guidelines of the Act refer also to bullying and cases where the pupil is suspected of involvement with drugs or alcohol.

One of the results of the Act will be that "welfare" inspections will be carried out by the Care Commission on a regular and formal basis

Counselling

The school counsellor, Melanie Allan, visits the School on a regular basis and can be contacted personally by all pupils and pastoral staff. Pastoral staff also refer pupils directly to the Counsellor.