School Ethos
Outcome 3- Understand school ethos, mission, aims and values
3.1 Explain how the ethos, mission, aims and values of a school may be reflected in working practices.
3.2 Evaluate methods of communicating a school’s ethos, mission, aims and values.
The ethos and mission of a school are often referred to hand-in-hand as the same thing. They are however, different. The mission is based upon what the school intend to achieve in a more physical and academical way, whereas the ethos is more related to the beliefs and feelings of the school. As they are inextricable linked to the holistic teaching approach they become part of most school mission statements as one.
The Ethos of the school should be recognisable when entering the school environment as it is part of the nature and daily practice of the staff and pupils there. It is usually clearly set out for the whole school to be aware of and is reinforced through daily activities. An example of what could make up the ethos of a school can be seen in the diagram below.
This combined with the achievement related goals and social values become the basis of the schools mission statement.
The decision as to what the school’s mission statement should be is often defined by the type of school and its outside links. For example, a faith school would more than likely include reference to its church or God. This would be reflected in the school’s practices in the form of daily worship or prayer and visits to its respective church for mass. If the school is a multi-cultural community school the mission statement may be more reflective of the community cohesion practices. This would be reinforced in school by the teaching of many different faiths and religions raising awareness in the children.
In addition to this, the 5 Every Child Matters aims are often taken into account when developing the ethos and mission of a school. Ultimately, there must be some consultation and discussion regarding what the final statement
3.1 Explain how the ethos, mission, aims and values of a school may be reflected in working practices.
3.2 Evaluate methods of communicating a school’s ethos, mission, aims and values.
The ethos and mission of a school are often referred to hand-in-hand as the same thing. They are however, different. The mission is based upon what the school intend to achieve in a more physical and academical way, whereas the ethos is more related to the beliefs and feelings of the school. As they are inextricable linked to the holistic teaching approach they become part of most school mission statements as one.
The Ethos of the school should be recognisable when entering the school environment as it is part of the nature and daily practice of the staff and pupils there. It is usually clearly set out for the whole school to be aware of and is reinforced through daily activities. An example of what could make up the ethos of a school can be seen in the diagram below.
This combined with the achievement related goals and social values become the basis of the schools mission statement.
The decision as to what the school’s mission statement should be is often defined by the type of school and its outside links. For example, a faith school would more than likely include reference to its church or God. This would be reflected in the school’s practices in the form of daily worship or prayer and visits to its respective church for mass. If the school is a multi-cultural community school the mission statement may be more reflective of the community cohesion practices. This would be reinforced in school by the teaching of many different faiths and religions raising awareness in the children.
In addition to this, the 5 Every Child Matters aims are often taken into account when developing the ethos and mission of a school. Ultimately, there must be some consultation and discussion regarding what the final statement