Philosophy
As a learning community we are concerned with the academic, physical, social, cultural and spiritual development of all those in our care. We strive to help our students develop into men and women able to think clearly, act with integrity, make informed decisions, be sensitive to the needs of others and to seek to make a contribution to our global community.
The education offered at Sidcot goes well beyond academic examination success. Sidcot aims to demonstrate to its students the qualities crucial to be successful in life. Essentially what makes Sidcot different from other schools is the emphasis placed upon the quality of relationships throughout the school. Every individual – from the youngest child to the oldest member of staff – should treat others, and be treated by them, with dignity and respect.
Academic success is important at Sidcot, but we also place a high priority on the Quaker belief that education is much broader. Education should be a joyful experience of self-development and an inspiring introduction to the wonders of our world. We seek to promote learning not as a means to an end, but as something intrinsically satisfying and to be carried forward long into later life. To this end, we aim to encourage our students to identify the possibilities for enrichment both inside and outside the classroom environment.
All staff who teach at Sidcot School embrace the Quaker notion that each and every child is an individual, someone who has particular abilities, interests and talents that should be nurtured and encouraged to flourish. The challenge for those of us in education is to enable each child to develop his or her talents to the full.
These same people also recognise that the journeys taken by students in developing these talents are myriad in their variety. It is therefore an accepted part of professional practice at Sidcot to explore and employ a broad range of different teaching strategies aimed at catering for even the most diverse learning needs.
Whilst the Quakers’ ‘Advices and Queries’ challenges us to be adventurous, we also endeavour to apply this philosophy to our professional lives. Employing a combination of traditional and more innovative teaching methods is at the heart of good practice and our sincere aim is that the students who leave our care are able to consider and then embody the sentiments of ‘Advices and Queries’, number twenty seven:
“Live adventurously. When choices arise, do you take the way that offers the fullest opportunity for the use of your gifts…….”
“The pupils’ personal development is excellent. They show high levels of spiritual development in response to the school’s Quaker ethos, particularly self-esteem and a natural confidence.” Independent Schools Inspectorate (2011)
