10
ARD E N
An Ethos of Good Citizenship
Moving up to the ‘big school’ is a defining moment in any child’s
life. At Arden we aim to make the transition as easy as possible by
providing a supportive and happy environment where individual
pupil’s needs are carefully monitored and addressed by a highly
qualified, caring team of staff.
Alongside the drive for academic excellence, Arden pupils are
developed into well rounded individuals who make an effective
contribution to the wider community beyond school. There are
numerous opportunities, ranging from mentoring and supporting
each other to organising and participating in a wide variety of events
and charity work. These experiences foster care and concern for
others and are fundamental to our school ethos. As a result students
leave Arden with far more than the excellent level of academic
achievement our school is noted for.
Arden provides a balanced approach to individual development
and the opportunity for everyone to share in the pride we all have
in our school.
Arden is a ‘family’. We aim to equip pupils with the life-skills essential
for fulfilling their role in our wider society. It is our hope that value-
forming lessons about respect for others, honesty, good behaviour
and decency learned at Arden will be taken into the outside world
and practised throughout adulthood.
No matter where pupils go after leaving Arden, our intention is that
they will take with them a positive attitude, a sense of self-esteem,
consideration for others and a real appreciation of our common
humanity.
Working Together in Partnership
At Arden we work hard to instil self-confidence and cultivate in
pupils the skills of identifying and attaining their own goals. This
positive ethos is built on a background of help, support and
guidance provided by a Year Team of Tutors who remain with
pupils as they move up through the school. Such continuity of care
allows pupils’ work to flourish and their general well-being to be
monitored by a Form Tutor and a Head of Year who build a close
understanding of each individual’s needs, and provide relevant and
tailored support throughout the pupils’ years at Arden.
At Arden we believe achievement at all levels of ability should be
recognised and celebrated. Success or exceptional performance is
rewarded across a broad range of school activities, both in and out
of the classroom. The different tiers of merits, certificates and other
awards are all carefully structured to encourage pupils’ participation
and progress.
Parents are a vital component of the partnership which ensures
that pupils advance in all aspects of school life and learning. We
require your support in ensuring your child completes homework
and in supporting our behaviour policy. We have high expectations
and will work with you to ensure that these are met .
We recognise the additional needs of pupils with an exceptional
talent or aptitude in one or more subjects and operate
programmes within the school to foster their development . If pupils
at any stage in their school life require extra help to enable them
to realise their potential, our Special Needs Department can
coordinate support – not just with basic literacy and numeracy, but
also other areas of the curriculum.