Developing a dynamic compass
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At Cameron Vale, we give regular thought to how values can be used to support each child as a reflective learner to promote quality teaching and learning.
Values nurture the development of good character, deep thinking and altruistic behaviour. In this digital age, however, the tendency can be for children to increasingly view happiness, for example, as something which can simply be found in the material world. 21st century life can, at times, inadvertently encourage children to experience life in a world which is external to their inner selves. As a school, we believe that our ethos should be built on a foundation of values.
How can schools set about promoting attitudes and values that will see children be successful not only now, but in their teenage years and adult lives?
We recognise that values are caught by children as much as they are taught. Our aim is for our school’s values to become a natural part of each child’s understanding of the world and work together to achieve this by embedding our chosen values into day-to-day life. Rather than categorising values in the minds of our children by delivering planned lessons, values underpin each child’s experience of life at school.
We have seven simple values which are designed to have a positive effect on the inner world of our children.
- creativity
- collaboration
- courage
- critical thinking
- curiosity
Case studies of schools who place values at the heart of their educational ethos note improvement in behaviour with children becoming more engaged in their learning as they adopt better self-control through thinking more intelligently. At Cameron Vale, what we see, is visible impact on children’s relationships with one another, their personal well-being, attitudes to learning and learning diligence.
Our hope is that our values provide children with a dynamic compass whilst at school to guide them throughout the rest of their lives, strengthening their resilience and well-being. Our aim is to ensure that, at the end of each child’s time with us, they feel that Cameron Vale has made a positive difference to their character, thinking and outlook; that the school has shaped who they will become.