Pastoral Care
At Blessed Thomas Holford Catholic College, pastoral care is deeply rooted in our mission: "May God’s Love Be Our Guide." As a Catholic family, we integrate gospel values and Catholic Social Teaching into every aspect of our daily lives, creating a nurturing, caring, and loving environment where spirituality and faith are ever-present.
We emphasise kindness, expecting our college family to be respectful and compassionate at all times. This commitment to kindness reflects our core gospel values of compassion, service, gentleness, love, and generosity. We believe in thinking of others before ourselves, making kindness an intrinsic part of our community.
Our Catholic ethos is palpable throughout the college. It is evident in the way we communicate, support, and trust one another, and in our collective drive to fulfil our mission. We are proud to worship and follow the teachings of Jesus Christ, and this spiritual foundation guides our actions and interactions.
Hard work is a cornerstone of our philosophy. We encourage every student to give 100% effort in all subjects, promoting resilience, perseverance, and determination. Success, we believe, is achieved through hard work and effort, and we celebrate our students' achievements, knowing that these are the fruits of their labour.
Our staff are dedicated to empowering students to excel both spiritually and academically. We provide a nurturing environment that fosters the mastery of knowledge and the development of God-given talents. Partnerships with parents and the local community enrich our students' experiences, helping them to grow holistically.
We focus on developing the whole self, encouraging students to engage in various activities beyond academics. Whether it's holding a student leadership position, becoming a peer mentor, participating in after-college clubs, supporting charities, joining the St. Vincent de Paul group, being active in worship, or playing in sports teams, there are numerous opportunities for personal, spiritual, and emotional growth.
Our unwavering love for each child ensures that every individual has the opportunity to succeed. We maintain high expectations and provide a consistent approach that instils strong lifelong learning habits. This clarity and support help each student become better qualified, more successful, and happier.
We are committed to doing whatever it takes to ensure that every student reaches their full potential, both academically and personally. We aim to develop young people who treat others with dignity and respect, have high expectations of themselves and others, and encourage each other to succeed.
Meet the Belong Team
| Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Mrs Tarry | Director of Pastoral Care and Attendance |
| Mr O' Neill | Head of Year 7 |
| Mrs Naughton | Head of Year 7 |
| Miss McGloin | Head of Year 8 |
| Miss Saycell | Head of Year 9 |
| Mr Worth | Head of Key Stage 3 - Behaviour and Standards |
| Miss Tanner | Key Stage 3 - Learning Mentor |
| Mrs McManus | Head of Year 10 |
| Miss Logan | Assistant Head of Year 10 |
| Miss Rennox | Head of Year 11 |
| Mrs Rowe | Assistant Head of Year 11 |
| Ms Kirby | Head of Key Stage 4 - Behaviour and Standards |
| Mrs Stacey | Key Stage 4 - Learning Mentor |
| Mrs Kneen | Head of Sixth Form |
| Miss Connolly | Pastoral Lead of Sixth Form |
At Blessed Thomas Holford Catholic College, our naming conventions for various pastoral care areas are deeply intertwined with our ethos, mission, and Catholic social teachings. These names reflect our commitment to fostering a nurturing, supportive, and spiritually enriching environment for all members of our college family.
Belong
The pastoral care team and their offices are named "Belong" to emphasise the sense of family and community that is central to our ethos. This name reflects the dignity of the human person and the welcoming nature of our college. At Blessed Thomas Holford, we believe that every individual is valued and respected, and we strive to create an inclusive environment where everyone feels they belong.
The Ark
Our bridging provision, named "The Ark," supports students who are reintegrating into education after experiencing challenges such as EBSNA (Emotionally Based School Non-Attendance), mental health issues, bereavement, or other difficulties. The name "The Ark" symbolises hope and draws inspiration from the story of Noah's Ark and the covenant with Noah. Just as the Ark provided safety and a new beginning, our provision offers students a supportive space to rebuild and find hope for the future.
The Heart of BTH
The chapel and chaplaincy area, known as "The Heart of BTH," is the spiritual centre of our college. This name underscores the importance of love—love for God, love for our neighbours, and love within our community. It is a place where students and staff can come together to worship, reflect, and find spiritual nourishment, embodying the core values of our Catholic faith.
PAX
Our internal inclusion provision is named "PAX," which means peace. This area focuses on personal growth and reconciliation, providing a space for students to reflect, learn, and develop. The name "PAX" highlights our commitment to fostering peace within our community and helping students grow into responsible, compassionate individuals.
Values of Hope, Love, and Peace
These naming conventions—Belong, The Ark, The Heart of BTH, and PAX—are designed to highlight the values of hope, love, and peace that are integral to our Catholic community. They reflect our mission to guide our students with God's love, ensuring that every member of our college family feels supported, valued, and inspired to achieve their full potential.
By naming these areas with such meaningful terms, we reinforce our dedication to creating a nurturing environment where every student can thrive academically, personally, and spiritually.