Vision and Values at Reay Primary 

We learn creatively to achieve high academic results through an arts-rich ethos that inspires original and critical thinking. We offer an ambitious, knowledge-rich curriculum that builds understanding and promotes questioning.

Everyone belongs at Reay; we think creatively and have a thirst for learning.

Our values:

• Everyone Belongs - We make sure every child feels safe, welcome and valued. Differences are respected and celebrated, and everyone’s voice matters.
• Creative Learning - We use creativity in all subjects - maths, science, reading and beyond - to solve problems, explore ideas and become the best thinkers we can be.
• Curiosity - We ask questions, investigate, and enjoy discovering new ideas. Learning is exciting because we are curious about the world.
• Kindness & Respect - We care for ourselves, each other and our community. We listen, help and include everyone.
• Celebrating the Individual - We notice strengths, talents and interests. Each child is encouraged to shine in their own way.

How we developed our vision

Reay Primary School is an exciting, stimulating and creative primary school catering for pupils aged 3-11 years.  At Reay, we believe that learning should be fun, challenging and leave each learner with a thirst for more.  

With the help of our pupils, staff, parents and community we aim to stand out from the crowd by delivering an education that allows our pupils to have an infectious enthusiasm for learning and are well prepared for their next stage of schooling.

Our vision was developed following consultation with pupils, parents, staff and governors conducted through surveys, open mornings, and discussion. 

Everyone belongs at Reay; we think creatively and have a thirst for learning

• Mantle of the Expert is a teaching technique which enables children to use their imaginations to engage with curriculum subjects allowing them to explore in greater depth and become confident learners who understand real life.  You can find out more about Mantle of the Expert here.

• Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL)) is a method for learning languages which allows our children to use other languages in a real-life context, for example teaching Spanish through Art.  Find out more about Content and Language Integrated Learning here.

• High Academic Standards - we will continue to have high ambitions for our pupils to have the mathematical skills to solve real life problems, including through the use of STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) learning techniques and resources; and to ensure that every child is a confident reader and writer. This will be facilitated through class teaching, intervention/booster groups and challenging pupils through Competitions, such as Primary Engineer and Wonder Maths. 

• Outdoor learning will be used to support learning across the school enabling children to make academic progress, understanding the importance of the natural world while at the same time supporting pupil mental and physical health

• Use the innovative teaching techniques described earlier (Mantle of the Expert//CLIL) to help create a stimulating and participative learning environment
• We will continue to develop and foster relationships with outside agencies to ensure we meet everybody's needs and support families
• We will develop our programme for emotional literacy in the school to support all children, not just pupils with Special Educational Needs, for example; outdoor learning, Drawing and Talking therapy, Lego therapy
• We will hold appropriate regular events at the school reflecting issues of the day and celebrating diversity.  Recent examples have included Iftar, International Day and a Day of Languages

As well as achieving excellent academic performance, we also want to provide the children at Reay with a range of curricular and extra-curricular activities to enrich their school experience and help them stand out from the rest.  We will therefore continue to develop our arts and outdoor learning programmes.  In particular:

• The arts are at the heart of Reay. We all feel that appreciation and experience of different art forms is essential to ensure pupils receive a fully rounded education. The arts will be embedded across our curriculum in the form of music, art, design, performance, drama, dance, literature, languages, outdoor learning, creativity and more
• We believe that outdoor learning is an essential part of school life and comes with huge benefits: Learning outside goes way beyond a mud kitchen. Our outdoor learning is an extension of our classrooms and is embedded throughout our curriculum and school life. It supports resilience and adaptability, respect for nature and the environment, development of problem solving skills in ‘real’ situations, as well as providing positive health benefits.
• We will continue to ensure that children each class fully engage with topics chosen for each half term, and that class trips are arranged, making the most of our location near central London. Year four camp in Dulwich Woods and Year five or Six go to Cadiz in Spain.
• We will continue to give opportunities for every child to express themselves through high quality school performances, including drama, dance and music