Pillar 1: Behaviour for learning

Our vision, values and beliefs.  | How these translate into classroom practice.  |  The impact on our children.

1.1 Every Moment Matters

At Avonwood we...

• bring learning to life every day.
• expect teachers to deliver lessons that live up to our ambition of inspiring wonder and intellectual curiosity.
• nurture a thirst for learning.
• teach an understanding of our eight Earth Charter principals which underpins our school ethos.

We believe that...

• every minute of learning matters.
• routines are the bedrock of creating a sense of belonging and this enhances intrinsic motivation.
• the awe and wonder of our curriculum makes Avonwood a unique, academically rich and special place to grow and learn.

The impact is...

• children are empowered to be the best version of themselves.
• children progress and acquire cultural capital regardless of their individual starting points.
• children are excited to come to school to discover the rich learning experiences teachers have planned each and every day.
• children understand their responsibility as global citizens, caring for our earth community.

1.2 Positive Relationships

At Avonwood we...

• create equitable classrooms through a supportive environment for learning.
• teach children to form positive relationships through listening to one another’s thoughts, feelings, and opinions.
• teach and respect an awareness of what makes themselves and others unique and different.
• build and cherish relationships of trust and respect between children and teachers, and amongst children.

We believe that...

• all children have the right to be listened to and heard.
• motivation is built upon a secure sense of belonging to our school community.
• relationships are the fundamental context for learning to happen resulting in happy children, staff, and parents.
• teachers who have a good knowledge about their children will be better able to teach them.

The impact is...

• the teaching environment encourages pride and mutual respect through high expectations.
• children feel supported, motivated, and challenged allowing them to take risks and make mistakes.
• children develop a positive attitude towards their learning.
• children show respect, empathy and sensitivity towards each other’s needs, emotions, culture, and beliefs.
• children become an outstanding role models.

1.3 Self-regulation, Metacognition & Growth Mindset

At Avonwood we...

• nurture self-regulation so that children are ready to learn.
• develop pupils' metacognition skills by promoting thinking about learning through 'plan-do-review'.
• narrate our thinking and decision-making journey to develop our children's awareness of this process.
• celebrate 'marvellous mistakes' as a valuable part of the learning process.

We believe that...

• just like any 'muscle', the brain can be trained and that ability is not 'fixed' or 'set'.
• all children should be taught how to self-regulate.
• 'plan-do-review' are essential facets in the learning process.
• everyone should make informed judgements and challenge their own thinking about their learning.
• achievements should be recognised, celebrated and shared.

The impact is...

• children are able to talk about their thinking and learning processes.
• children approach each new sessions with an emotional 'clean slate'.
• children recognise that effort is required to improve and progress.
• children enjoy being challenged  through tasks that offer 'desirable difficulty'.
• children experience success as a learner, embracing growth mindset and a thirst for knowledge.