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Headteacher's Letter
Welcome to our website which I believe you will find both informative and interesting. Please do give us some feedback so we can improve it yet further.
I am privileged and excited to be the new Headteacher of Barnwell School. Since joining in September 2009, I have been finding out more about the many positive dimensions of the school and its wider community. It therefore gives me great pleasure to share a glimpse into our vision and our values for learning here at Barnwell and to confirm what Ofsted said when they visited in February 2009 that we are a school: “with many good and outstanding features.”
All we do and say is underpinned by our ACE framework (A=Achievement; C=Community; E=Environment), which learners are explicitly taught about. Through each of the three aspects, learners are encouraged to succeed in all dimensions of their lives: academic, social, moral, spiritual and cultural. School improvement priorities are planned under the headings of the ACE framework and it is truly integral to all we say and do here at Barnwell.
Over the years, outcomes young people achieve in public examinations here at Barnwell have been steadily rising. We are determined to unlock the potential inside every young person to ensure that they achieve their best. More than this, we want them to enjoy learning – not just now, but throughout their entire lifetime.
Consulting young people to explore ways of further improving the learning and teaching that takes place in and beyond the classroom is a strong feature of our school. Together, staff and young people collaborate in a vibrant ‘Learner Voice’ programme which develops self-awareness and confidence in learning. Activities linked to the programme enable young people to express themselves, put their ideas forward and give constructive feedback on various dimensions of school life. The values of honesty and trust are also integral to the importance we place on being a responsible and active member of a community.
Community is an extremely important aspect of ACE. We actively teach learners that they are all a part of many communities – their family community, our local community, our worldwide community and our school community. Being part of a community is about being able to work together harmoniously. Whether a community works properly is totally dependent on the behaviour choices every one of us decides to make. Learners here at Barnwell use every opportunity to influence the learning of others positively. They realise that their choice of behaviour affects others and because of their responsible attitudes, the school community is strong and therefore ensures an environment in which learning can be outstanding for everyone. You will see examples of this as you browse our website.
I have enjoyed sharing aspects of Barnwell School with you. If you would like to know more, please do not hesitate to contact me (v.swaida@barnwell.herts.sch.uk). Even better, why not visit us next time you are in our area to find out more!
Ms Vivien Swaida
Headteacher