Our Mission Statement as an Arts and Science College

 

Our vision for the future challenges the notion that Science and the Arts represent two different cultures.

We are committed to the principles of Specialist Schools to raise standards of attainment, extend curriculum opportunity, increase take-up in Science and the Arts and to benefit the wider community.

This is a blueprint for the school of the future based on the premise that Science and the Arts are complementary disciplines contributing jointly to cultural development and the creation of new knowledge.

Discovery is the common goal for each discipline, understanding the watchword for both. Scientists and artists alike must nurture a capacity for original and imaginative thought and each must be prepared to embark upon a journey of exploration.

We acknowledge that the skills and thought processes attributed to each discipline are distinctive; we contend that our children must develop abilities in both.

Science is the dominant force of this century. The great advances in science technology - bio-genetics, nuclear fission, birth control and the internet - change the circumstances of our human lives and culture. Our children must have a real understanding of scientific principles and the ability to respond thoughtfully and judiciously to increasingly complex ethical issues.

Our model for the school of the future places equal emphasis on artistic and scientific disciplines and seeks to reach a better understanding of scientific issues through exploration and performance in the Arts.

Through our curriculum we aim to enable all children to develop:

• Logic, deduction, investigation and analysis.
• Thinking skills in science, mathematics and the arts.
• Creativity, imagination, communication and performance.
• Problem solving, teamwork, initiative and independent learning.
• The ability to work flexibly with ICT and new technologies.

We recognise that children learn in different ways and at different times. Our aim is to provide a curriculum which allows flexibility, diversity and continuity. The unique partnership of combined specialisms will allow all children to develop their particular talents.

Citizenship and ethical education take centre stage in our school and community plans. We seek to equip our children and the wider community, not only to live in our future world, but to shape that future world and create a better tomorrow.