OUR VISION & VALUES

Welcome to Ridgeway. It’s a great pleasure, as the Principal of this wonderful school, to introduce you to all it has to offer.

We are committed to inspiring learners for their future through a vibrant, innovative and supportive environment where students develop resourcefulness, resilience, accept responsibility and are challenged to take risks in order to succeed. Maximising individual students’ development and achievement is what everyday is about. Achievement in examinations is high and we offer an extensive range of leadership and extra-curricular opportunity that is second to none. Students develop the skills and confidence to prepare them for life in the 21st century and it is our aim that students leave us with a passion for life-long learning.

Our students are wonderful ambassadors for the school and take pride in continuing to shape and develop further the excellent community to which they belong. This website contains latest news and copies of The Ridgeway News designed to keep students and parents up-to-date with school life and to give others a snap shot of our school. Prospective parents and students are always welcome to arrange a visit to the school.

Our Vision

Our shared vision is that our students, colleagues and families will be part of a FAIR community.

We will support our school Family to Achieve their potential, and Inspire students to Reach the very best destinations.

Our Core Values

Respect | For ourselves others, our community and environment

Honesty | With ourselves and others

Endeavour | To actively participate, fully apply ourselves and be the best we can be

Creativity | To develop new ideas using flair and imagination

Community | Developing a sense of identity, family and belonging

Promoting British Values

The Ridgeway School and Sixth Form College is committed to serving its community. It recognises the multi-cultural, multi-faith, and ever-changing nature of the United Kingdom. It also understands the vital role it has in ensuring that groups or individuals within the school are not subjected to intimidation or radicalisation by those wishing to unduly, or illegally, influence them.

It follows equal opportunities guidance which guarantees that there will be no discrimination against any individual or group, regardless of faith, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, political or financial status, or similar. The Ridgeway School and Sixth Form College is dedicated to preparing students for their adult life beyond the formal examined curriculum and ensuring that it promotes and reinforces British values to all its students.

The Government emphasises that schools are required to ensure that key ‘British values’ are taught in all UK schools. The government set out its definition of British values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy.

The five British Values are:

  • Democracy
  • The Rule of Law
  • Individual Liberty
  • Mutual Respect
  • Tolerance of Those of Different Faiths and Beliefs

The academy uses strategies within the national curriculum and beyond to secure such outcomes for students. The examples that follow show some of the many ways The Ridgeway School and Sixth Form College seeks to embed British values.

Curriculum Intent

Democracy

The principle of democracy is reinforced consistently at The Ridgeway School and Sixth Form College, with democratic processes being used for important decisions within the school community, for instance, elections being held to determine the head boy and girl. The principle of democracy is also explored in the history and religious studies curriculum, as well as in mentor time and assemblies.

The Rule of Law

The importance of laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced at The Ridgeway School and Sixth Form College.

Students are taught the rules and expectations of the school, which are highlighted by the student code of conduct and student expectations. Students are taught the value and the reasons behind laws that govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves, and the consequences when laws are broken. Visits from authorities such as the police reinforce this message.

Individual Liberty

At The Ridgeway School and Sixth Form College, students are actively encouraged to make independent choices, with the knowledge that they are in a safe, secure, and supportive environment. Staff at The Ridgeway School and Sixth Form College educate and provide boundaries for students to make informed choices, through a safe environment and an empowering education.

Students are encouraged to know, understand, and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised on how to exercise these safely, for example, through e-safety and the mentor programme.

The Ridgeway School and Sixth Form College has a robust anti-bullying culture and has in place a comprehensive behaviour for learning policy.

Mutual Respect

Respect is a strong attribute of The Ridgeway School and Sixth Form College, and students learn that their behaviours have an effect on their own rights and those of others. All members of the school community treat each other with respect, and this is reiterated through its teaching and learning environments. Mutual respect is embraced throughout the curriculum by providing the opportunity for students to express their views in a safe environment.

Tolerance of Those of Different Faiths and Beliefs

This is achieved though equipping students with the ability to understand their place in a culturally diverse society and by giving the opportunities to experience such diversity within the school community. Students benefit from a number of international visitors, including students from other continents and cultures. Additionally, students are actively encouraged to share their faith and beliefs within the school and celebrate festivities throughout the calendar year. The religious studies curriculum provides a broad and balanced education on a range of faiths, religions, and cultures.

The Ridgeway School and Sixth Form College strives endlessly to ensure that its students leave with the strongest foundation of values upon which to build a successful life and a successful contribution to our society.

Equality Statement

At The Ridgeway School and Sixth Form College, there is a commitment to providing equal opportunities to everyone within the school’s learning community, including staff, students, parents, and visitors to the school. At The Ridgeway School and Sixth Form College, we value respect and will not tolerate racism, sexism, homophobia relating to gender or sexual orientation, prejudicial attitudes toward culture, religion, special educational need/disability, bullying, or any other oppressive behaviour.

Discrimination in any form is actively discouraged and students are encouraged to show respect for others. We recognise the important role which school plays in helping to form attitudes and values in young people and will actively promote anti-discriminatory behaviour and work to prevent anti-social behaviours.

As such, The Ridgeway School and Sixth Form College will ensure a learning and teaching environment which is free of discrimination. Education is about maximising opportunities for personal growth and fulfilment. Opportunities will be available to all, regardless of ability, age, gender, ethnicity, or social background. These opportunities are secured through positive action by the school and the community.

At The Ridgeway School and Sixth Form College, we celebrate diversity of culture, ethnicity, and talents, and try to ensure that everyone is given opportunities to value their own contribution to the school and to have this noticed and valued by others. The School’s mission is to ensure that students, regardless of background, will be part of our community. We seek to give all students equality of opportunity, irrespective of gender, ability (both physical and mental), ethnicity, or religion. We seek to close the gap between the achievements of different groups of young people so that all have equal opportunities in their adult life and empower them in all areas of life to contribute purposefully to society. This is fully reflected in our school’s vision and values, which seek to promote good relationships between everyone in the school community, building an atmosphere of mutual trust and confidence.

We are committed to the following aspects of equality:

  • Ensure high-quality education for all students.
  • Have high expectations of all students to support the positive development of personal and cultural identities, preparing students for full participation in society.
  • Promote the principles of equality, respect, fairness, and justice for all to develop universal values and citizenship by celebrating cultural diversity and supporting students in developing a positive self-image.
  • Provide students with equal access to the full range of learning opportunities.
  • Promote good relations between people of different racial and ethnic groups, challenging stereotyping and prejudice, and acting promptly to remove any forms of direct or indirect discrimination.
  • Ensure that all recruitment, employment, promotion, and training systems are fair to all and provide opportunities for everyone to achieve.
  • Collect information with regard to ethnic origin for monitoring purpose.