Philosophy
Statement of Ethos and Aims of Acorn School
1. The inspiration for Acorn School
This school is a small, family-orientated school, which we hope will see hundreds of happy and successful children pass through its doors. Having a large family, we are fully aware of the emotional, spiritual and educational needs of children. We have decided to open our own school because of our passionate desire to provide an educational establishment of excellence.
The school is founded on the principle of small class sizes, research having identified the numerous benefits of providing the individual attention upon which children thrive.
The school is run according to the tradition of the Church of England, but welcomes children from all faiths, reflecting the rich diversity of the community of Biggleswade.
The staff are all highly qualified and committed teachers, who endeavour to make each pupil aware of his or her innate qualities and skills, and to develop these to full capacity. The policy of having small class sizes ensures that each pupil is well known and understood. It also provides a learning environment in which confidence can be strengthened and the high academic standards for which the school wants to be renowned are achieved. Each child is encouraged to live a fulfilled life in the years ahead and to make a happy and positive contribution to society.
2. Values
The key values underlying the school's ethos are reflected in the expectations of high standards in: care for the health and safety of pupils; educational provision; behaviour; respect for self and others; respect for property and the environment; responsibility for one's own behaviour.
3. Expectations
We expect people to address one another politely, to recognise and praise good behaviour, effort and achievement, to listen to one another. We expect children to comply with requests and instructions from the adults in school. We expect children to understand that their behaviour has consequences. We expect children to comply with the school's structures and routines for promoting positive behaviour.
4. Ethos
The school's ethos is promoted in all aspects of its work, beginning with the way people address and engage with one another and through: assemblies; approaches to teaching which aim to raise pupils' self esteem; promoting co-operative and inclusive activities in the playground; structures and routines such as lining up quietly before moving through the school; the code of conduct drawn up by the children through discussion with teaching staff; Personal Social and Health Education (PSHE) lessons.
5. Aims
The school's aims are to grow to become a thriving, happy school.