Ormiston Denes Academy is a member of Ormiston Academies Trust and as such believes:
You don’t have to be exceptionally bright or naturally gifted in order to excel at something. We know hard work, determination and perseverance pay off.
Just because something might be hard, it doesn’t mean it can’t be fun. We know it’s okay to face setbacks too – they can make you stronger.
If you’ve done something or created something others would benefit from seeing or having, you should share it. We know our schools keep getting better when we all share what is best.
Every child and adult should respect and accept that difference is normal, that everyone should be welcomed and included.
A key part of our individual identity is our motto of aspiration, integrity and respect which we believe is integral to ensuring Ormiston Denes Academy becomes a truly good school where students and staff thrive and develop both personally and professionally. We believe in putting the child at the very centre of every decision and every action. We believe in high standards in everything we do, regardless of how small or seemingly insignificant the task in hand. Our academy believes in people and recognises that whilst systems and structures are very important, our role is about people whether they be children or adults. Good relationships are at the very heart of our school. Our ethos is to translate the academy motto into action, otherwise they are simply words.
Our successes as a school are based on being cared for, being supported, being challenged and helping students to develop the confidence and resilience they need. We believe that the balance of all these components has to be just right, and whilst the emphasis will vary from day to day and, indeed, hour by hour, if we work together as a team – parents and carers, school and child – then we can achieve the most amazing things for each child at our school.
Our welfare programme is at the very heart of everything we do ensuring that students are safe, cared for and nurtured so that they can achieve the very highest standards and go on to be successful citizens. As a school we are uncompromising in our pursuit of excellence whilst balancing our approach of ‘care and rigour’. We will always aim to explain ‘why’ as well as ‘what’ and ‘how’ ensuring that decisions are made in the best interests of the individual student. Our curriculum is designed to meet the needs of all our students so that our mantra that the lesson is ‘sacrosanct’ will be realised. Provision is adapted so that the ‘whole child’ is educated. Our aim is to be a ‘good school’ rather than a school aiming for a ‘good grade’.
Read more about the OAT vision and strategies here.