The vision of Hope Community School, Southampton is based on the following values:
• Adventure
• Openness
• Creativity
• Excellence
Underpinned by a Christian ethos
Adventure
We encourage our pupils to be adventurous and innovative in their learning. Our child-initiated curriculum topics and engaging themes foster curiosity in our pupils. We enable children to be confident decision makers, through discussion and questioning, giving space for them to voice their own views and grow in confidence. It also helps children to understand the importance of listening to others, learning from, and taking into consideration other people’s ideas.
Openness
Our school is a welcoming and hospitable place where family involvement is valued. We are committed to being a positive asset not only to the lives of the children who attend but also their families and the wider community. Regular enrichment sessions are run outside the school day in order to provide families with opportunities to learn together. It is intended that the school is a community hub, a centre that is open and inviting to the community as a whole.
We are passionate about people and we want to invest in and bring life to the local area.
Creativity
We use a project based curriculum to develop creativity. We connect different aspects of learning and create fresh ways of thinking. We are dedicated to making our school environment vibrant, colourful and engaging.
Our school has vibrant and inviting spaces designed to suit all learners and learning opportunities. We promote the value of working in groups and pairs, providing an environment with open, light learning areas that encourage children to talk together, play games, share ideas or research in books, or on iPads and laptops. Equally important are our quiet areas that welcome reflection, prayer, quiet reading or just the chance for learning alone.
Our classrooms reflect our belief in 'experiencing learning'. They change regularly, providing stimulating and exciting spaces to take children on a journey through learning themes. Careful planning and thoughtful resourcing encourage independence, both within the classrooms and outside spaces. Children take responsibility for their own learning. They respect each other and value their learning environment. From the moment the children arrive at Hope, they begin to understand the world is their classroom.
Excellence
Everyone who works with, in and for Hope Community School, Southampton strives for excellence. Our staff are passionate about their work, value the individual aspirations of each child and encourage all pupils to be enthused about their learning and proud of their successes. No matter what their ability or background, we encourage every child to reach their potential.
Christian Ethos
We will be registered as a school of religious designation within the Christian faith.
Our Christian ethos underpins the culture of our school. We aim to create space for children and the school community to explore their own personal beliefs and faith in a safe place where they can ask the big questions of life. We present a Christian viewpoint, whilst allowing children the freedom to explore, question and seek answers for themselves. We ensure children of all faiths and no faith feel included and valued and learn about all cultures, faiths and religions.
We have selected forty Christian values, many of which are shared by people of all faiths and no faith that are taught on a rolling two-year programme. These values seek to build character and draw out the full human potential of each child. The school is a community of practise that provides experiences in which the whole school community can consider and reflect on these values and translate this reflection into action. We do this at Hope in three main ways: by unpacking our values in our daily Collectives (assemblies), by exploring them in our class time through reflective activities and by communicating the values to parents and encouraging discussion and positive reinforcement at home. Our Christian ethos is further enhanced through our Christian prayer room and the provision of pastoral support through chaplaincy.