Values
At Riverside school we believe that all children have an entitlement to a broad and varied education; broad in its content and varied in the approach by which it is delivered. We will help our pupils be the best that they can be through inspiring and exciting learning experiences inside and outside the classroom. Our aim is to promote in our children a love of learning and a sense of wonder at the world that will last a lifetime and to give them the skills to succeed in the 21st Century.
Built on our core values of humanity and integrity, the Riverside curriculum has been created to support the development of the five key characteristics we nurture in our pupils: expertise, responsible attitudes, eloquence, wonder and last but not least, Yorkshire Grit.
We believe that these values and attributes will equip all children at Riverside to go boldly on their life journeys and achieve success.
Humanity – being kind and looking after each other, showing compassion, forgiveness and sympathy. Having a sense of humour and being ready to help others.
Integrity – being true to your word, being reliable and trustworthy and being committed to putting things right if there is a problem.
Characteristics
At Riverside, these characteristics are the ingredients of a brilliant learner - focusing on these helps us all to be the very best that we can be!
Expertise
We believe that all children should feel secure and successful in the basics of Maths and English and the wider curriculum; we use innovative methodologies based on the latest educational research to support children in becoming expert learners, whatever their starting points.
We teach the children to be curious, to strive to be successful in their learning and to understand how learning works.
Responsible Attitude
We encourage pupils to take responsibility and to have confidence in what they can achieve. We recognise and esteem positivity and optimism - supporting the children in becoming trustworthy, mindful people. We encourage our older pupils to take on school leadership roles focusing on different aspects of school life. We have high expectations of the children - and just as importantly we want them to have high expectations of the staff!
Eloquence
We understand that speaking fluently and with confidence is as valuable a skill as reading, writing and mathematics. We teach children to be mindful of the words they use. We have established a unique speaking culture using daily teacher-lead discussion to help children develop their confidence with spoken language. We encourage the children to find their own voice, and to understand the power of using the right words for the right job.
Wonder
Children have a natural sense of wonder at the world – at Riverside we spark, promote and nurture this feeling. We make time to think and reflect. Learning about our world can be astonishing and mind-boggling! If a child experiences wonder, and that feeling is shared by those around them, they will have the confidence and imagination to achieve amazing things.
Yorkshire Grit
Life is not always easy. Yorkshire Grit (that’s what resilience is called around here) is about developing strength of character through perseverance and determination. We teach children to keep trying until they can do something, not to give in because it may be difficult. This also to builds resilience; if a child develops emotional strength they will achieve more. We encourage learners not to think ‘I can’t..’ but rather ‘I can’t yet!’
Our commitments
Personalised support for every child
Extraordinary, highly skilled teachers who go the extra mile for each child
Deft academic focus to secure mastery of the basics
A unique speaking culture to develop the oral skills of every child
A focus on wellbeing, Yorkshire Grit and emotional resilience so that children are prepared for whatever life throws at them
Project-based, enquiry-led learning with hands-on activities and ‘real’ experiences where children have the chance to make things and share their achievements
Pupil commitments
To make everyone feel welcome in the school
To be honest
To use good manners
To respect the environment, other people and their property
To show zero tolerance of unkindness
To always put in our best effort
To persevere