Whole Education

Our purpose is to accelerate the transformation in learning that is already taking place to ensure that every child has an education that will equip them with the skills and knowledge to succeed in life to the best of their ability and to contribute positively to the creation of a decent and flourishing society.

We believe in education that knits together academic, practical and vocational learning calibrated to the potential of each individual. We believe in education that invests in the intellectual and knowledge based development of the child as well as the development of social and emotional competencies. It is these competencies that are a major part of the foundations that allow every young person to learn effectively and contribute positively to their own development and attainment and the development of a decent society.

Adaptable and creative

We believe in equipping young people to meet the demands of a fast changing work place that requires independent thinking, creativity, employability and collaboration.

Learning throughout life

We believe in equipping young people with the skills and personal qualities they need to handle the major transitions in life, from pre-school to primary, primary to secondary, secondary to further and higher, and to work. We believe that a major purpose of education should be to develop in young people a passion for learning that will last for their lifetime.

Developing every individual

We believe that every young person should have a curriculum that develops his or her potential. That goal demands that practical and theoretical learning are both accorded high status by higher education,employers and society.

More than knowledge

We believe in diversity and choice of education pathways. Young people are motivated to learn and absorb information in different ways. Some learn better in a practical context; others perform better when faced with theoretical challenges. We should help young people build on these strengths, but should also encourage young people to learn in ways that they might find harder.

Building resilience

We believe in teaching social and emotional competencies including self-awareness, empathy, resilience, self-respect, persistence, self-discipline, the ability to respond well to discipline, and the capacity to collaborate and forge strong constructive relationships with others.

Trusting good teachers

We believe that more trust should be placed in heads and teachers who understand the requirements of the young people they teach. These practitioners are best positioned to design a learning process that raises attainment and encourages the best from each young person.

Independence and reward

We support education that equips young people to think for themselves and make the very best of their talents. This builds belief that what a young person does, and how much effort he or she invests, can and will produce positive results and rewards.

Relevant and engaging

We support learning that is active not passive. Young people should be encouraged to work collaboratively; to stretch themselves and work with others; to question and to be able to present their arguments, findings and knowledge in a coherent and literate manner.

Good citizens

We believe that young people are more likely to volunteer, and to get involved in their local communities or otherwise be good citizens, if they see that their contribution matters. We believe that young people should be provided with opportunities to practice this active citizenship.

Joint responsibility

We believe that each young person needs to take responsibility for their own future, but that this can only happen with the commitment and support of parents, the school and the wider community. For some young people, this further requires the support of well co-ordinated local support services. Accessible schools and colleges that operate without boundaries can act as catalysts in this process. Further, we believe that the voice of every young person needs to be heard in the shaping of their education.

More than school

We understand that young people spend much of their time outside school, in the community and online, and that out of school or college education has an important role in the development of young people. More dialogue and closer working between schools, youth groups and others can enhance the education of young people.

For everyone

We support education that allows no young person to be ‘written off’ or left behind. Every young person has the right to acquire qualifications that carry recognised value.

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