Aims and Objectives

The School’s vision statement

Ballard School provides a supportive and caring environment for learning, based on Christian values and good teaching, designed to help all pupils achieve their personal best.  High academic standards, together with thorough preparation for future education and the world of work, are underpinned by an ethos of concern for others, unselfish attitudes and an awareness of the rights and duties of a good citizen.  The diverse range of activities and broad curriculum nurture the self confidence of all our pupils, and help the development of their personality, engendering also lifelong interests and stimulating a desire to serve the community.

Aims

The aims of the school may be summarised as follows:

• To help each individual pupil reach their potential within a secure, caring community and to equip our young people with the skills they will need to move into our ever-changing, modern society.
• To produce 'complete' people, equipped not only for their working careers but also for life.
• To aim for academic excellence, so that each individual pupil may achieve his or her personal best.  However, we believe all our pupils are entitled to an education that extends beyond the purely academic.  Therefore pupils are actively encouraged to take part in a wide range of artistic, creative, cultural, musical, sporting and other extra-curricular activities.
• To recognise the worth, dignity and contribution of each member of the school community and to foster self-discipline, self-esteem, mutual respect and co-operation.
• To offer scope for spiritual, moral and personal development within an environment which affirms Christian values.
• To assimilate and constructively manage change in the interests of the development and progress of the school and the future careers of our pupils and staff.
• To promote behaviour and discipline which allows all individuals to succeed in a mutually supportive atmosphere.
• To promote an atmosphere of friendship and trust in which emotional needs are recognised and met.
• To expect high standards of achievement by developing in pupils the ability to think and research independently and communicate confidently and effectively.
• To respond to the wider needs of society.
• To increase links between the school and the community we serve.