Before I say anything else I should congratulate students on their exam results and thank staff for all the hard work they put in during the course of the previous academic year. Welcome to new students who have just started with us and welcome back to all who have returned after the summer break. On behalf of the governors I wish you every success in 2014/15 academic year. As we stand at the threshold of a new school year I thought now might be a good time to reflect on the Board of Governors' vision for Matravers School.
George Bush senior was famously dismissive of what he called, 'the vision thing'. He was a detail rather than big picture man and had little time for high faluting visionary ideas. There's something to be said for such a down to earth, practical approach to power. But without a clear view of future prospects, strategies designed to make visions a reality become little more than tactical responses to everyday events. Organisations can easily get blow off course by every puff of wind if they don't have a very definite sense of where they are going. That's why 'the vision thing' is so important for a school.
At a recent meeting of the Full Governing Board we reviewed and refreshed the school's Statement of Vision and Values. The statement sets out the direction of travel for the school. Our strategic 'route map' will help ensure that we get there. The role of governors is to set the vision of the school and hold the head and senior leaders to account to make sure we are not going off course.
Vision
Our vision is for Matravers School to be a world-class centre for teaching and learning at the heart of the Westbury community. Achieving this involves ensuring that every Matravers student exceeds their potential in all aspects of their education. We will provide the outstanding teaching, learning and leadership needed to fulfil this goal. Our outreach and support of others ensures that we are working at the cutting-edge of education as a system leader
Values
Our values are embedded in all that we do at Matravers School
Resilience We equip our students with high quality core skills and the aptitudes to use them in order that they become independent enquirers team workers; effective participants; self-managers; reflective learners; and creative thinkers. Our inspiring teaching and learning empowers our students to meet any challenge with confidence and succeed in life.
Creativity We embed confidence and self-belief within our students by inspiring a passion for learning which extends to every member of the community. Students strive for excellence; teachers, support staff and the wider community continually enhance a flexible repertoire of skills in order to enable students to exceed expectations..
Ambition We enable our students to realise that anything is possible. There are no ceilings or limits to our aspirations. We embrace an atmosphere of success across the whole school, which is publicly recognised and celebrated.
Happiness We recognise that every student is an individual. We care greatly for each pupil, providing them with the support and guidance they need to be fulfilled and happy.
Success We empower our students to raise their aspirations towards excellence. We ensure this happens by setting challenging targets and rigorously monitoring progress towards them. Through our home/school partnership we engage parents in the learning success of their children.
Dynamism We ensure that our students grow and develop into well-rounded, reflective individuals with a strong sense of moral purpose. By doing so we encourage them to contribute positively to the world in which we live.
