The Aspiration Principles
Dashwood Banbury Academy, as part of the Aspirations Academies Trust, shares a common philosophy and a distinctive approach to education. There are three guiding principles and 8 conditions for learning that all Aspirations Academies adhere to and are central to the curriculum:
- Self-worth
- Engagement
- Purpose
Here are is more detail about the Guiding Principles and the 8 conditions for learning.
GUIDING PRINCIPLE – SELF-WORTH
Condition for learning: Belonging, Key characteristic: Considerate
What this looks like:
- To understand that own actions affect other people
- To be able to co-operate, communicate, share and care for others
- To be able to show empathy for others and to be able to collaborate and effectively communicate in different contexts
Condition for learning: Heroes, Key characteristic: Respectful
What this looks like:
- To show awareness of boundaries and consequences for their behaviour
- To listen to others and have good manners
- To be able to value others around you for whom they are and to learn from role models
Condition for learning: Sense of Accomplishment Key characteristic: Pride
What this looks like:
- To describe themselves in positive terms and talk about their abilities
- To take a pride in their work
- To take responsibility for their own learning and be purposeful in the pursuit of excellence
GUIDING PRINCIPLE – ENGAGEMENT
Condition: Fun & Excitement, Key characteristic: Motivation
What this looks like:
- To show confidence in speaking to others about their ideas
- To be interested in their learning, ask questions and be active in lessons
- To be able to initiate their own learning in order to strive towards an end goal
Condition: Curiosity & Creativity, Key characteristic: Imaginative
What this looks like:
- To think creatively and critically in their learning
- Having lively curiosity about things and have an active imagination
- To be creative and have an inquiring mind be innovative and enterprising
Condition: Spirit of Adventure, Key characteristic: Bravery
What this looks like:
- To be confident to try new things
- To be able to try new things and keep trying if you find it hard
- To not be afraid of failure and have the courage to take risks and learn from mistakes
GUIDING PRINCIPLE – PURPOSE
Condition: Leadership & Responsibility, Key characteristic: Trustworthy
What this looks like:
- To follow the class rules and tell the truth
- To be able to understand responsibility for actions and what is right
- To have principles, show what it means to be honourable and dependable
Condition: Confidence to take action, Key characteristic: Resilience
What this looks like:
- To show active learning in their play, trying things over and over until they succeed
- To be able to have a go at something and not give up if it is hard
- To believe in their abilities, to be able to adapt to change and recover from problems and challenges