Mission

To provide our students with opportunities and experiences to enhance their life choices, making a positive contribution to the world we share.

School Values

Courage

To be brave in the face of challenge.

Optimism

To look for solutions and see positives.

Regard

To care for and be kind to others and yourself.

Endeavour

to work hard and persevere to achieve one’s full potential

Trust Values

Ambition

We maximise our potential through striving for excellence.

Teamwork

We give 100% effort, displaying kindness and humility for the benefit of all.

Honesty

We are respectfully open about our successes and areas for growth.

Strategic Anchors

  • Build a compelling learning culture built on strong professional relationships where all can achieve.
  • Craft and implement a high-value curriculum which is knowledge-rich to allow meaningful application of skills.
  • We put people first through high-quality professional learning and a culture of coaching.
  • Create a healthy organisation, free from politics and confusion through clarity following the Empowered to Lead operating model.

British Values

The Department for Education’s five-part definition of British Values is:

  • Democracy: We actively encourage student participation in democratic processes, ensuring their voices influence school life. Our Student Leadership Team, are elected by peers, and represent student interests and collaborate with staff on school initiatives.

  • The Rule of Law: Understanding and respecting laws is fundamental to our school ethos. Our Behaviour Policy, underpinned by the ‘Woodlands’ Fundamental Five’, sets clear expectations for conduct. Assemblies and PSHE lessons address topics such as e-safety, anti-bullying, and the importance of laws in society. Collaborations with local police and fire services further reinforce these concepts.​

  • Individual Liberty: We foster an environment where students are empowered to make informed choices and express themselves freely within a safe and supportive framework. Through our PSHE curriculum, students explore topics related to personal freedom, responsibility, and the impact of their choices. A wide range of extracurricular activities allows students to pursue their interests and develop autonomy.​

  • Mutual Respect: Respect is a cornerstone of our school community. We promote positive relationships through our CORE values, encouraging students to treat others with kindness and consideration. Our PSHE program addresses topics such as healthy relationships, empathy, and the importance of understanding diverse perspectives. Recognition of student achievements further reinforces a culture of mutual respect.​

  • Tolerance of Those of Different Faiths and Beliefs: We celebrate the diverse backgrounds of our students and promote an inclusive environment where all beliefs are respected. Through our RE curriculum, students learn about different religions and worldviews, fostering understanding and acceptance.

Here at Allestree Woodlands School, our CORE Values are Courage, Optimism, Regard and Endeavour. We are an inclusive school which enables our students to feel valued, heard and empowered to contribute to our school community. We want our students to recognise their role in British society and recognise its diversity through a wide range of lessons, events and experiences.

Across the entire curriculum – both academic and pastoral – and through an extensive extra-curricular programme, we promote fundamental British values in meaningful and practical ways, and build on them, integrating our CORE Values into school life.

Our commitment to Democracy in student leadership opportunities, the Rule of Law in our clear behaviour policies, Individual Liberty in encouraging personal development and making good choices, Mutual Respect in fostering positive relationships, or Tolerance through our inclusive teaching of different cultures and beliefs, we ensure that these values are embedded in the life at AWS.

The examples below highlight how we actively demonstrate British Values through our curriculum and opportunities given to Woodlands students.

British Values Overview