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Values & Aims

Values & Aims

Drawn from our Quaker heritage

Our values are drawn from our Quaker heritage and are more relevant today than before.

Friends’ is a school in which each individual is valued as of equal standing before God, and in which a sense of social awareness is encouraged through service to others.

Our aim is to provide an environment in which pupils, staff and parents are committed to the idea of excellence within a caring, supportive community.

Our motto, drawn from the New Testament book of Colossians, is Quae sursum sunt quaerite, or ‘seek those things that are above’.

We seek:

  • to enable all pupils to develop their academic potential and interests to the fullest extent
  • to provide a broad and balanced curriculum relevant to the needs of our pupils
  • to foster the self-esteem of pupils and staff
  • to encourage the moral and spiritual development of our pupils
  • to establish a partnership between the school, the parents and the local community
  • to prepare pupils for adult life

Values we live by

ASPIRE

We want our pupils to be aspirational in everything they do, which is why we have chosen this acronym to sum up the values we endeavour to live out in our everyday lives.

Inspired by Quaker Testimonies, these values of Adventure, Sustainability, Peace, Integrity, Respect and Equality underpin everything we do.

A – Adventure

Take risks in your learning, make the most of the opportunities you have, and explore the world around you.

S – Sustainability

Make good use of resources you have, care for your surroundings, and reduce your impact on the environment.

P – Peace

Live at peace with yourself and others, nurture your wellbeing, and do what you can to resolve conflict where it arises.

I – Integrity

Act justly, be honest in your dealings with others, and remain true to your values.

R – Respect

Hold yourself and others in high regard, encourage everyone, and help build up our school community.

E – Equality

Value others for who they are, celebrate diversity, and recognise the contribution made by each individual.