Individual Support
What is Individual Pupil Support?
The Individual Pupil Support structure is designed to afford the maximum support and encouragement to ALL pupils, in terms of their academic and personal development. Such support and encouragement begins with preparation of transfer from primary and secondary school and continues throughout the school career of each pupil until she/he leaves to go into employment, to vocational training or Further Education, and beyond, for post school references.
Our support system is organised through a House system, each pupil is allocated to a house (Falcon, Harrier, Kestrel. Merlin and Osprey), and a member of our Guidance staff will provide support and advice throughout S1 - S6.
The Depute with overall responsibility for Individual and Additional Support is Mrs Barclay, who is also the school's child protection officer.
What do we do?
In general terms PTPS follow the progress of each pupil in their charge from S1 until the time the pupil leaves school. We monitor the personal welfare of each pupil, ensuring that they have the opportunity to do their best at all times and in all subjects as well as assisting with careers and course choice advice. By getting to know each pupil and by keeping in close contact with parents and carers, we are able to support and offer guidance at different stages in the pupil's school career. Our aim is for each pupil to gain maximum benefit from their time at Alva Academy.
Who's who?
The Individual Support program is divided into five houses. Pupils will be automatically allocated to one of the houses. If you need to contact us about your child's progress etc, please forward your correspondence to the relevant Principal Teacher of Pupil Support.
Falcon House - Mrs Nicholson (Red)
Harrier House - Mr McDowall (Sky Blue)
Kestrel House - Mrs Campbell (Royal Blue)
Merlin House - Mr Bradbury (Green)
Osprey House - Mrs McEwen (Yellow)
How do you contact us?
For many reasons, you may wish to contact the school - you may want an update on their progress, or are worried by a change in behaviour, or you may want to inform us about a change in your circumstances. The simplest way is by phoning the school and asking for the relevant PTPS. If we are unavailable, the office staff will take a message so that we can return your call as soon as possible. Alternatively, you may wish to contact us by letter. Whichever method you choose, we will respond as quickly as possible.
If you decide to contact us by email / form, please do not send any confidential information.