"The students are not just names on a register, but growing people, each to be known and treated according to his qualities, his personality and his achievements."

"Take more care of the young people entrusted to you than if they were the children of a king."

(From the writings of St John Baptist De La Salle)

As a Catholic school in the tradition of the De La Salle Brothers, St Joseph's places great emphasis on valuing, respecting and caring for the individual student.

In Years 7 to 11 students are organised in Year Groups by age. In each year there are six forms. Each form has a Tutor and the Year Team is managed by a Head of Year (HOY).

In Years 7 and 8, The Lower School, the tutor teams remain static. These year groups are managed by the Head of Lower School. This system gives the younger students a secure foundation in their early years at the College.

The Tutorial Teams move up with the students from Year 9 to Year 11.

The Form Tutors are the basis of pastoral care. They are the people to whom students should first turn, and whom other teachers should first consult when difficulties arise. The Form Tutor plays a crucial role in helping individual students to adjust to others and to gain the greatest benefit from their life at school. The Form Tutor aims to know each student as well as possible and to assist all in coping with their work and in coming to terms with themselves and others.

The Tutorial Programme

This is designed to enable our students to understand themselves and their world and to develop the attitudes and skills they need for their lives, both in their time at school and in the years beyond. The programme is tailored to the ages of the students and ensures continuity and progression. Topics covered include Personal Organisation, Self and Others, Economic Wellbeing, Health Education, Sex Education, Citizenship and the stake that students have in the College itself. Elements of Careers and Guidance are also part of Tutorial work.

The Life Skills Programme is delivered by tutorial teams (HOYs and Form Tutors) as these are the people who know the students best. Visitors from various groups in the local community complement the work of tutors.