Governors' Vision for 2009

Governors are committed to developing SVC as an 'outstanding' school (as designated by Ofsted) at the time of the next inspection in 2009.

The Vision

The prime goal of our school community is to promote learning; this purpose underpins and informs everything that the school does. Our vision for SVC, which will enable the achievement of this goal encompasses three strands.

  • Educational Excellence: to provide for all pupils an exceptional education on a par with the best secondary school education. SVC will provide pupils with the academic foundation and opportunities for character development necessary for them to be successful lifelong learners and valuable members of their present and future communities.
  • Continuing education: o encourage pupils to identify their learning opportunities and continue their education beyond SVC and to have the highest aspirations. We will work to ensure that they have the skills and confidence to success in their chosen fields.
  • Inspiring other schools: to be recognised as a model school for our pupil success and other innovative educational practices. SVC aims to inspire and support the development of other highly effective schools to provide similar success for their pupils.

We believe that the following elements are important in achieving our vision:

  • SVC will retain and develop its unique status as the centre of learning for its immediate and extended community; the school will consolidate and expand its existing partnerships and seek others;
  • aspiration, achievement and celebration will be central to the school's work and ethos;
  • teaching will inspire and motivate young people to learn and to achieve their potential;
  • an effective professional development programme will ensure that all school staff have the knowledge, skills, disposition and accountability to help all pupils to achieve high standards;
  • examination results at both key stages will be outstanding, as defined by Ofsted;
  • there will be an ethos of continuous improvement;
  • the curriculum will continue to be developed to meet the needs of all pupils;
  • all pupils will safe and valued; each young person will be given the freedom to develop intellectually and emotionally in a safe, structured environment;
  • the school will offer extended services to its young people in line with the Government's extended schools agenda; it will provide a wide range of extracurricular opportunities and encourage as many pupils as possible to participate.

Aims and values

Sawston Village College regards each member of the school community as a valuable individual, regardless of race, social background, gender or ability.

Good relationships lie at the heart of a good school and support each individual to do his or her best academically and personally.   Fairness, trust and mutual respect are essential to creating an encouraging and positive community.

All members of the school community have the right to be safe, cared for and supported.

Learning is a partnership of pupils, parents and school. It can only take place in a calm, ordered environment. 

All members of the school community have joint responsibility for the success of the school and its pupils and for building trust and a positive relationship between the College and its wider community.

Working together, staff and pupils, we aim to develop a culture of excellence within the College.

Specialist College aims

  • To raise attainment and achievement for all pupils both in the specialist subjects and across the whole curriculum.
  • To strengthen and develop the quality of teaching and learning strategies in the specialist subjects and use them to help raise standards throughout the school.
  • To extend opportunities for vocational learning and enrichment activity through the specialist subjects, including through links with sponsors, business, employers, further and higher education institutions and organisations related to the specialism.
  • To develop within the school, characteristics which signal its specialist ethos and identity and which are reflected in the school’s mission and objectives – including through encouragement of increased take-up and interest in the specialist subjects.
  • To work collaboratively with partner schools to provide or facilitate high quality learning opportunities and outcomes in the specialist subjects – by sharing specialist facilities and resources, enhancing further the quality of teaching and developing and disseminating good practice.
  • To develop the capacity to provide or facilitate high quality learning opportunities and outcomes in specialist subjects, either working as an individual school or working collaboratively with other schools, within the school’s wider local community, including local businesses and employers.