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bath & wells: services for children and young people
schools & colleges
Ethos and Values of Church Schools
The ethos - or culture - of a school has an extensive influence on pupils and adults alike. It is about the 'way we do things here' and why we do those things. It affects the quality of relationships, pupils' aspirations and the way in which the school is perceived by the wider community.
The school's ethos will be derived from its core values and beliefs about its purpose and the aims of education. Values lie at the heart of a school's vision and mission.
Although ethos is in part to do with 'atmosphere', it is also expressed tangibly in a number of ways which include:
- The processes, activities and rituals of the school: as expressed, for example, in teaching and learning methods, the conduct of pupils and adults, collective worship and assemblies, special occasions, close links with the church and parish.
- The philosophy and aims of the school: as expressed for example in the school ethos and mission statements, the Aims of the school laid out in the prospectus, schemes of work, policies and in the everyday language of adults and pupils.
- The physical and visible aspects of the school: as expressed, for example, in the buildings and classrooms; the signs and symbols on display; pupils' dress
The Handbook for Inspection of Church of England Schools gives advice on the Assessment Criteria for School Ethos and an amplification of the assessment criteria indicating a very good ethos and an unsatisfactory ethos.
Ethos Statements
Ethos statements are written to express 'the way we do things here' and the reasons why we do them this way. In a Church school, the Christian foundation of the school will influence the ethos of the school. One definition of school ethos is:
'The tone, character and quality of a school, specifically its spiritual, moral and aesthetic mood and the quality of the relationships there.'
An Ethos Statement recommended to be adopted by governing bodies of Church of England schools: Recognising its historic foundation, the school will preserve and develop its religious character in accordance with the principles of the Church of England and in partnership with the Church at parish and diocesan level.
The school aims to serve its community by providing an education of the highest quality within the context of Christian belief and practice. It encourages an understanding of the meaning and significance of faith, and promotes Christian values through the experience it offers to all its pupils.
Mission/Vision Statements
These are statements written to express the school's overall purpose and aims in terms of the values underlying:
- The education it offers to its pupils
- Its commitment to staff and parents
- Its services to the Church and wider community
e.g.
To be distinguished by its care for all its members, meeting individual needs with fairness, understanding and justice. To provide an education which will prepare pupils for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of life; promote an active partnership between the school, the home and the parish; affirm nurture and develop the faith and spiritual growth of all its members; seek to be a vital, responsible and integral part of the local and wider communities.
Sometimes they are summarised into a brief statement or slogan. e.g.
A Christian community committed to excellence
School Aims
These are a fuller expression of the mission/vision statements written in more detail.
They should appear in the school prospectus and be referred to in other documentation e.g. policies and schemes of work.
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