Transforming Your Tutor Time Curriculum

This accessible book is a trusted companion for every teacher who has found themselves in charge of a tutor group. Inside, you'll find a treasure trove of activities that require little to no planning but will have a positive and engaging impact on your pupils. Bursting with creativity and actionable tips, the book recognises the myriad demands on a teacher's time and is centred around making tutor time meaningful and giving students the best start to the day. Divided into three key sections - School Culture and Community, Health and Wellbeing and Academic Improvement - a variety of activities are provided, each with helpful background context as well as clear instructions and discussion prompts. The activities cover diverse topics, from SEND (special educational needs and disabilities) support to forming habits, and will create a tutor time curriculum which strengthens your understanding of each pupil in your care and facilitates positive relationships and support among students and staff. Transforming your Tutor Time Curriculum is an essential resource for teachers looking for concrete tutor group guidance, as well as heads of year and pastoral and Personal, Social, Health Education (PSHE) leads. It is also valuable reading for senior leaders who would like to think more strategically about the low-cost, high-impact benefits of tutor time.

Kirsten Colquhoun is a dedicated educator with over 15 years of experience in secondary education. Originally graduating as a history teacher, she has since earned an MEd specialising in pastoral care, providing her with a broad perspective and a critical understanding of pupil wellbeing. Her ongoing work in schools ensures she remains deeply connected to the realities of classroom dynamics, enabling her to blend practical insight and experience with academic expertise.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS FOREWORD INTRODUCTION · What is tutor time? · Enhancing your skills as a tutor teacher · Supporting pupils' emotional and academic wellbeing · Making tutor time meaningful PART 1 - LOGISTICS OF TUTOR TIME · Approaches to Tutor Time · Time Allocations · Record Keeping · Attendance · Organisation / SEND · Schools without Tutor Time · Environment · Field Theory · Sensory Load (/ Extraneous) · Alternatives to Tutor Time · Setting Up Tutor Time PART 2 - DESIGNING A TUTOR TIME CURRICULUM PART 3 - TUTOR TIME FOR SUPPORTING SCHOOL CULTURE AND COMMUNITY · Building Social Connections · Annual Observations and Celebrations PART 4 - TUTOR TIME FOR HEALTH AND WELLBEING PART 5 - TUTOR TIME FOR ACADEMIC IMPROVEMENT · Sub-section 1: Academic Interventions · Sub-section 2: Revision Planning · Sub-section 3: Strategies in Action FINAL THOUGHTS REFERENCES INDEX