Vision and Values – our Ethos

Vision Statement

Our vision is to become an outstanding school of first choice at the heart of our local community

We will do this through our:

• Culture – An inclusive school where everyone is valued, cared for and nurtured in an extraordinary way
• Curriculum – Students acquire ‘powerful knowledge’ and skills that prepare them fully for the world, work and for their wellbeing, delivered through outstanding teaching
• Character – Students stand out as model citizens, showing kindness, respect and doing their best
• Community – All stakeholders use their unique gifts and talents to serve others and enable them to flourish

We aim to provide a multitude of learning opportunities within a vibrant, creative and inclusive environment, where students can discover their strengths, talents and interests and pursue them to the highest standards to become the best they can be.

As well as attaining the highest academic standards possible, we want students to thrive in all areas of life, developing creatively, socially, emotionally and spiritually. Ultimately, we want our students to stand out as model citizens of whom society can be proud.

Day to day life, with its expected and unexpected events, its twists and turns can have an impact on our mental health. It is our aim that time spent at The Dorcan Academy has a beneficial impact on everybody’s wellbeing. Our goal is that all stakeholders know where to seek support in times of challenge, in order to promote a happy community.

Our Ethos

Our Ethos is based on our five Core Principles which guide our actions on a daily basis.

• Belonging – Each of us is unique, of great worth and valued within our school community for who we are
• Purpose – We all have the ability to learn and achieve great things through working hard and doing our best
• Aspiration – Our students are capable of excellence and are entitled to access the best knowledge and curriculum opportunities
• Perseverance – Achieving greatness requires resilience and the ability to keep going when others have given up
• Achievement – True success is becoming the best version of yourself that you can be

Our Values:

Be Kind, Show Respect, Do your Best

Our Motto:

Aspire to Greatness

‘Our actions become our habits, our habits become our character, our character is who we are’ (Aristotle)

Our Character Virtues

We seek to develop in all our students the character virtues of:

Honesty

Telling the truth at all times

Integrity

Acting out the Dorcan values all day, every day, even when no-one is looking

Compassion

Showing empathy, sensitivity and kindness towards others

Courage

An inner strength, self-belief and confidence to stand out from the crowd and to stand up for what is right

Generosity

A willingness to ‘go the extra mile’

Gratitude

Being thankful and appreciative for, and to, others

Personal responsibility

Being accountable for the actions which you have control over, in order to make wise choices

Resilience

Being able to ‘bounce back’ from struggles and setbacks; having a Growth Mindset

Self-Discipline

The drive, determination, self-control and commitment to work hard and do your best at all times