Nurturing Environment

The environment has a huge impact on any student’s ability to learn. In order for the higher learning processes to be engaged, the primary (physical and emotional) safety mechanisms need to feel relaxed. A nurturing environment is crucial for students to be open to learning. When they feel welcomed, cared for and unconditionally supported, their willingness to learn and to support their fellow students grows enormously.

And the most important component of the environment for any student is their educator. Seven Oaks educators are firstly and foremostly mentors, guides and supporters of the students in their care. In this, their role is to get to know each of their students very well – their strengths, their vulnerabilities, their ambitions. As well as educational support, they will provide personal, emotional support when it is needed by the student.

Key to this nurturing relationship is the ability of our educators to provide unconditional acceptance for all students. We recognise the natural range of humanity in all people – the highs, the lows, the times of flow and the difficult times. We support our students to move through these natural phases without judgement.

To complement this, clear boundaries are in place to ensure that all students are aware of what is and what is not acceptable behaviour. As students grow, they will have an increasing voice in selecting and managing behavioural boundaries.

We have two educators in every class of 24 students. Whenever possible, one of these will be female and the other male. The purpose of this is to provide a balance of male and female energy and also to role model co-operation between men and women.

These advanced human relationship skills are a fundamental requirement of our educators. Along with proven educator ability, the ability to accept, support and communicate with students at a deep personal level, is a crucial skill. We provide ongoing specialised training in this area for all of our educators.