As a member of the Gateway Community, I have the privilege of seeing our children at their very best. This is often in the moments that are not found in books or data. The quiet determination when something feels tricky. The encouraging word to a friend. The deep breath before reading out loud or speaking to an audience. These are the moments where character is built.
Every teacher wants each child to succeed academically. But at Gateway, we also place great importance on developing what we might call the ‘inner toolkit’. These are the values and virtues that help children navigate both school and life beyond it.
Building Performance Virtues
Strive to achieve: Our value Strive underpins what we call performance virtues -qualities such as perseverance, resilience and commitment.
In classrooms, this might look like a child having another go at a challenging piece of writing, or sticking with a maths problem even when it is not easy. It’s not always neat, and it’s not always immediate, but it is where real growth happens.
We actively encourage children to see challenge as an opportunity rather than a barrier. The power of yet, which encourages thinking to move from ‘I can’t do this’ to ‘I can’t do this yet’, helps pupils see ability as something that can grow with effort and the right support. After all, learning to keep going, even when things feel difficult, is a skill that will serve them far beyond their time at Gateway school.
Participate & Enjoy
We are proud to offer a wide range of opportunities for children to participate and, importantly, to enjoy doing so.
From poetry recitals, to being a member of a committee, to assemblies to performances and presentations, children at Gateway are regularly given the chance to share their voice and feel heard. For some, this comes naturally; for others, it takes time and gentle encouragement. Both journeys are equally valued.
These experiences help to nurture confidence and a sense of achievement. Watching a child grow in self-belief, moving from hesitant to assured, is one of the most rewarding aspects of school life.
Respect & Participate
Equally important are our civic virtues, how children contribute to and care for the community around them. Our values of Respect and Participate are central to this.
Children learn that their actions matter: that showing kindness and working collaboratively all play a part in creating a positive environment. They begin to understand that being part of a community comes with both rights and responsibilities.
A wonderful example of this in action is our upcoming Whole School Environment Day during the Enrichment Week. On this day, children will explore how they can help protect and sustain our planet, drawing inspiration from the work of David Attenborough.
Through age-appropriate activities, children will learn about environmental responsibility and the importance of small, everyday actions. It is an opportunity for them to see themselves not just as learners, but as global citizens with the power to make a difference.
Investigate & Enjoy
Our value of Investigate encourages children to remain curious, to ask questions and to engage deeply with their learning.
Curiosity is at the heart of both academic success and character development. When children are encouraged to explore, reflect and think critically, they are more likely to develop a genuine understanding of the world and their place within it.
And, importantly, we want them to enjoy this process. A love of learning is something we hope to nurture in every child and that is why ASPIRE is at the heart of what we do.
