Values and Ethos

Relentless encouragement to embrace challenge and see mistakes as opportunities to learn

Values

Culture and Ethos

  • Ambition: We have the determination and effort necessary to participate and learn effectively. We show focus and concentration to gain skills and knowledge. We show pride and aspire to achieve well. We tackle challenges with resilience and strong self-belief. We willingly make a positive contribution to our school and the wider community.
  • Integrity: We develop self-discipline to make increasingly positive and appropriate choices. We are honest about our mistakes, even when this seems hard to do. We reflect on our actions in order to make positive changes. We offer our help to others when they struggle or need support. We are thoughtful about the person we are now, and how we may wish to be.
  • Respect: We learn how to manage and improve our health, fitness and wellbeing. We are welcoming of people from all races, religions and cultures. We are polite and always remember to use fantastic manners. We understand the need for behaviour rules and to be aware of others’ viewpoints. We make good friendships and enjoy school life whilst keeping ourselves & others safe.
  • Growth Mindset: Pupils are taught to develop a growth mindset by seeing mistakes as an opportunity to learn. We instil a belief and determination in our pupils that anyone can improve, at anything, with deliberate practice and effective feedback. We encourage pupils to be inspired rather than threatened by the success of others.
  • Critical Thinkers: Children who grow to love reading become critical thinkers with expanding minds. ‘Sitting Beside’ pupils to discuss their thinking and probe their understanding is vital for learning. Immersing ‘Let’s Think in English’ approaches promotes participation, self-efficacy and regulation. ‘No Hands Up’ approaches minimise ‘Initiate-Respond-Evaluate’ teaching, whilst fostering active listening, social constructivism and deeper understanding.
  • A School Within a Garden: Over many years, great care, pride and work has been undertaken to create and maintain a high-quality outdoor environment. This provides pupils with multiple opportunities for rich first-hand learning experiences, and the encouragement to understand and value sustainability and seasonality. The continued growth of ‘Market Days’ enterprises showcases our gardens, produce and creativity.

 

The children of Berrywood are relentlessly encouraged to embrace new challenges, and to see mistakes as an opportunity to learn and improve. We help our children to understand that self-esteem and meaningful relationships with others are always founded on their respectful outlook and conduct.

Members of staff are encouraged to evaluate the impact of their work through the success of their pupils. Professional learning, collaborative development, and a strong commitment to the school’s vision characterise a culture of integrity and ambition at Berrywood. Likewise, a concern for the well-being and fulfilment of members of staff is an embedded fundamental at all levels of school leadership.

Values & Ethos

Our values tell us what are important and help us to make decisions in our everyday lives.