TDA 3.2

3.1 Explain how the ethos, mission, aims and values of a school may be reflected in working practice.

The Ethos of the school should be recognisable when entering the school setting as it is all encompassing from the reception staff, children, teachers to the general feeling of the school. The mission statement of the school usually in motto form and at Offley this is “Joy in Learning “ is reflected in the ethos of the school. The mission statement is the schools overall intention and set out by the head. The statement includes the schools Aims which are set by the Head Teacher with the help from the wider school community. The Aims are what the school hopes every child will achieve such as being literate and numerate, independent learners and understand their responsibility to others. The school aims to develop the individual child’s intellectual, emotional, physical, spiritual and creative needs. The school hopes that each individual will leave having achieved this. The values of a school are non-negotiable aspects of the school which can be controlled by the school such as diversity – being an inclusive school and creating a microcosm Being safe and secure and anti-bullying. Schools usually have plans in place for these such as anti-bullying statements.

3.2 Evaluate methods of communicating a schools ethos, mission aims and values.

The school aims to develop the child in a number of ways academically, emotionally and physically. They aim to develop the child as a whole through teaching programmes and classroom aids with learning and fun (joy in learning). Discussion of text and topic work so that the child understands. Encouraging them to participate in extracurricular activities for all abilities such as street dance, football, art and gardening. To encourage practical learning during lessons for example Science – Gardening club – how plants grow. Finally to encourage both under and over achievers to believe they can do things.
This is communicated by exam results and league tables. The wider community can see how the school is performing by looking at these online or in newspapers. Often after Ofsted reports schools promote that they have achieved a good or outstanding report by having a banner outside the school. When the children are out in the community they behave in a way that represents the schools aims and values. Inviting the community into school, such as parent readers and grandparents to share their stories, They are able to see what’s going on in school and how the children behave. School fairs are another god way of inviting the community in as they can see how they are all part of the wider school family.
Inside school this is communicated by the teaching adapting to individual learning styles and is evident due to the vast input from the SENCO and other authorities to include all children – bilingual or special needs ranging from mild to server learning difficulties. All children are encouraged to achieve their best. They are rewarded for trying in celebration assemblies not only for academic achievements but awards for things such as good manners and attendance again re-enforcing the schools vision for how they want the children to develop.