The Independent Grammar School: Durham - Our Values

Courage

Respect

Excellence

Achievement

Truthfulness

Enjoyment

Together, we can CREATE something special!

COURAGE

·                     Bravery in standing up for what we believe

·                     Determination to keep going, despite opposition

·                     Commitment to our friends, colleagues and partners – we won’t let them down

So, for example, we will know we are reflecting the value of Courage when we see staff and/or pupils who:

Ø    Are known for their loyalty to each other

Ø    Set very courageous targets and “go for them”

Ø    Are clear about what they believe (whatever that might be) but stand up for the rights of others to believe differently

RESPECT

·                     Respect for those in legitimate authority over us – e.g. teachers, parents and adults

·                     Respect for others, no matter how different they might be from us

·                     Respect for beliefs that are different from ours

So, for example, we will know we are reflecting the value of Respect when we see staff and/or pupils who:

Ø    Thrive in an environment in which the teacher is in control in the classroom

Ø    Display impeccable manners and courtesy as they walk around school

Ø    Warmly welcome those of minority nationalities and religions into our school

EXCELLENCE

·                     Believing that everyone can be excellent at something given the encouragement

·                     Aiming for the highest standards in everything we do

·                     Being very ambitious and aspirational for everyone and in everything

So, for example, we will know we are reflecting the value of Excellence when we see staff and/or pupils who:

Ø    Share in a wide range of activities (sport, music, topics, drama etc.) so that all pupils have the chance to find something at which they can genuinely excel

Ø    Regularly challenge themselves to go further and do better

Ø    Routinely set high standards for themselves and others and take pride in being the best they can possible be

ACHIEVEMENT

·                     Helping everyone achieve his or her personal best

·                     Recognising and celebrating achievement at all levels

·                     Aiming for the best academic achievement imaginable

So, for example, we will know we are reflecting the value of Achievement when we see staff and/or pupils who:

Ø    Work hard in class, complete tasks set for them and show a love for learning

Ø    Are gaining regional and national recognition for their excellence in music or sport

Ø    Regularly produce top class academic results

TRANSPARENCY

·                     Transparency and accountability in everything we do (subject to sensible/legal limits)

·                     Integrity in all things – we do what we say we will do

·                     What you see is what you get

So, for example, we will know we are reflecting the value of Truthfulness when we see staff and/or pupils who:

Ø    Engender a culture and spirit of trust

Ø    Share information appropriately and willingly (this includes parents as well)

Ø    Tell the truth (a sometimes challenging combination of courage and respect!)

ENJOYMENT

·                     Enjoyment in learning and hard work

·                     Enjoyment in extra-curricular activities

·                     Enjoyment in being part of the school community

So, for example, we will know we are reflecting the value of Enjoyment when we see staff and/or pupils who:

Ø    Smile a lot

Ø    Laugh a lot

Ø    Get lots done and do it really well

For younger children these values will be refined so that they become CAR (Courage, Achievement and Respect).  That is manageable for small children.  Being brave (e.g. sticking up for your friends), doing your best and being kind and considerate to others.   A car provides some ready-made illustrations and pictures to get the message home.