Pastorally Speaking

Pastorally Speaking: Let's Talk about Sex (again)!
How can parents normalise talking about sex to their children? Andy Woodward suggests ways of starting a conversation and explains what Harrodian is...
Pastorally Speaking: Compassion: the Pillar of a Society that Cares
Compassion means taking a conscious decision to educate ourselves about others' experiences and feelings. And that is an important step we want to help our pupils to try and take, argues Andy Woodward.
Pastorally Speaking: What would Queen Victoria do?
Unfashionable as Victorian morality may be, Andy Woodward wonders if the era's educationalists do still have something to teach us about building...
Pastorally Speaking: Listening isn't always Agreeing
It's great that children today are more willing than ever before to tell their parents what they think and feel and that parents are happy to listen...
Pastorally Speaking: Are We Bad At Resting?
Andy Woodward reflects on the importance of self-care and why it is essential our students, particularly those sitting examinations, rest and take helpful breaks from revision.
Pastorally Speaking: Aiming for Happy
How do we get Harrodian pupils to look forward with optimism, to look back with satisfaction and to feel content, asks Andy Woodward
Pastorally Speaking: Worst-Case Scenario
The return of 'real' exams this year has sparked high anxiety among GCSE and A Level candidates. Don't panic, says Andy Woodward, exams may not be fun...
Pastorally Speaking: The Value of (Neuro)-diversity
Our society has tended to treat neurodiversity like a failing. So what can we do to change the narrative? asks Andy Woodward
Pastorally Speaking: Everybody Hurts... sometimes
Teenagedom has always been coupled with emotional volatility, says Andy Woodward, Deputy Head of Senior School. We need to recognise that tears can be...
Teenage Rebellion
It often comes as a sudden shock to parents but teenage rebellion is a healthy part of growing up. Andy Woodward examines the causes and provides some management advice