Values

We believe
-that each of us is special
-that each of us is unique
-that every child has a value as an individual and should be given equal opportunities regardless of learning needs, disability, religion, gender, culture or social background.
-in the development of self esteem and individual potential
-in excellence in all areas of the curriculum
-in the school as a community
-that parents and the wider community have a role in the life of our school
-that learning should be interesting, exciting and fun.
-that all should be honest and open

Vision

We want Blackford to be a school where:
- we have the best possible relationships between all members of the school community, based upon mutual respect trust and co-operation.
- we provide a happy, caring and positive environment where children can learn effectively.
- we offer high quality learning opportunities which are challenging, relevant and meaningful to the children.
- the children grow in self-confidence and respect for the people and environment around them.
- the children will be inspired to take up learning for the rest of their lives

We value school, home and parish connection and hope to make our school a place where members of the wider community are welcomed and play a full part in its life.

Aims

We aim to ensure that each child receives his or her entitlement to a broad and balanced education which takes into account the varying needs and talents of the individual children. The National Curriculum is taught in full and great care is taken to establish continuity and progression.

We want to create and sustain a happy environment in which all the children are made to feel at home, and can experience and develop a love of learning. Ways are sought to develop confidence, and a sense of personal worth. Part of this would be through the promotion of positive relationships between all adults and children. Our children need to become caring and sensitive members of the school and wider community, who show respect and tolerance towards other points of view and backgrounds, and to the world around them.

We recognise that children are individuals, and will progress at varying rates. We do not expect them to work at the same pace, but will provide opportunities to learn and achieve success. Realistic goals will be set, but the children will be encouraged to strive for personal excellence and achieve their full potential, intellectually, aesthetically, spiritually, emotionally, socially and physically.

We want children to enjoy and develop good attitudes towards their work. They need to develop lively, inquiring imaginative and creative minds with the ability to listen carefully, questions critically and argue rationally.

In order that they become independent, confident, well motivated and self disciplined, they need to be able to reach the highest levels of competency in the basic skills of learning and acquire sufficient knowledge. We want our children to develop the social skills to work co-operatively as contributors, showing a tolerance and respect for others. They should know the difference between right and wrong and develop a sense of personal responsibility.

We wish to develop an awareness of personal belief and how it influences people's lives, and to be able to examine and understand Christian values, through being part of a caring and committed community.

We aim to provide quality teaching and learning situations, resourced to the best of our ability, which will build upon the positive strengths of our school community whilst maintaining a sense of awe and wonder.

We aim to maintain a genuine partnership between all who contribute towards our children's learning.