Ethos and Values
Our Intent and Values
Our pupils have huge potential to succeed. We believe that our approach of attributing equal value to Personal and Academic Development , the structure of the school day and our curriculum can enable all pupils to experience success during their time at Northern House Academy and be prepared for their next phase of education.
At Northern House, we take pride in our mission to reshape the identities and perceptions of our learners, support our families to build trust, and ensure that all feel valued and included as part of our community. We will, through our ethos, guarantee that all achievements will be shared and celebrated, no matter how minor they may seem, and to maximise our pupils’ opportunities to develop and grow as individuals, so that they can leave Northern House Academy as well rounded and happy children, confident in their own abilities.
We attribute equal value to Personal and Academic Development of our pupils. We recognise that, until pupil’s primary needs are met, that they feel safe and happy, they will be unable to make maximum progress academically. Our intent is to be the catalyst for change, we aim to instil a growth mindset for our pupils and our families, by creating a positive and safe learning environment. We will achieve this through our values being the key drivers within our curriculum. They will drive every minute of every day to ensure we provide the utmost opportunities for our pupils to be ready for their next stage of education.
Our values encompass the specific needs of our cohort. They provide a foundation upon which continuous improvement takes place and they drive all aspects of our future development.
These values are fundamental in shaping not just our curriculum but our school, our community, our psychology, one that enables all its learners, no matter their starting points, to fulfil their potential. They form the framework of our values-led practice, ensuring that our daily interactions, our responses to behaviours, our everyday practice and culture are driven and shaped by our values. They are embedded within the DNA of our school and are an essential part of our decision-making processes. From morning routines to curriculum development, every choice we make, whether strategic or dynamic, is informed and guided by our values.
The specific needs of our pupils always remain at the forefront of our minds and our curriculum framework stays true to this vision:
- Our curriculum embodies our value-led practice and is embedded with the highest of expectations and aspirations for each pupil
- Our curriculum is knowledge and skills based to enable rich learning
- Our curriculum is centred around understanding the bespoke needs of each individual child
- Our curriculum is knowledge rich, systematic and progressive.
- It provides teachers with the systems and tools they need to understand individual pupil needs to ensure high quality teaching and learning.
- It is unapologetic in its high expectations of pupils, knowing that our children are not defined by their needs but instead viewed with the positivity they need in order to be nurtured, both emotionally and academically.
- It is consistent, in both approach and delivery, thus helping to create a psychologically safe environment where our pupils are empowered to take risks and experience success.
It is a curriculum of hope, restoration and healing, which promotes and prioritises the happiness of our students above all else.