Newent Community School aims to create an environment where pupils can enjoy their education, by offering a plethora of exciting opportunities where they are free to spread their wings and express their true talents and creativity — while also being supported when things aren't perfect, when bumps happen along the journey of growing up.
Children at school age can be put under a lot of pressure. With exams and homework to contend with, there's also friendship challenges, family dynamics — not to mention the modern minefield of social media stress.
Speaking to SoGlos, its headteacher Dawn Burke said: 'The majority of our students, at some point will go through some difficulties and we want to go alongside families and work together with them with the H.E.A.R.T values and principles to make sure we're working together as a team.'
Upon visiting the school and its website, you'll be met with its motto and ethos, H.E.A.R.T, which stands for honesty, excellence, accountability, respect and teamwork — five principles that it puts at the forefront of everything.
It takes on a holistic approach to safety and security, too, putting emphasis on encouraging a healthy understanding of the sociology and psychology of friendship groups, to make sure the social side of school is balanced. It’s also working with the Hollie Gazzard Trust to teach students from an early age to become active bystanders through educational workshops.
Dawn added: 'We're trying to break some cycles that are not necessarily anyone’s fault. Society changes and you have to move forward; that's the only way things will improve.'
One way it is supporting students is through its extensive range of extracurricular activities. In its third year as one of a handful of Cyber Gold schools in Gloucestershire, Newent is consistently encouraging pupils — girls in particular — to embrace STEM subjects and cyber technology.
These activities often see the school staff and students working around the school day, with some even taking on big charity fundraising challenges. This year this featured a coast-to-coast cycle that saw participants ride over 600 miles in just four days for Children in Need.
There's also the school drama department preparing for their production of Shrek: The Musical; the art department adding finishing touches to evening exhibitions; as well as after school trips; swimming galas; horse riding clubs and so much more.
Dawn continued: 'We've got a large body of staff here who are constantly giving their hearts to the students and doing their utmost to give them experiences they may not normally get.
'These types of activities are what shape schools and they're just amazingly special. If I think of our current cohort, we have pupils competing in national competitions, karate championships, swim meets — alongside alumni like Tom Berkeley who went on to become an Oscar-winning filmmaker in 2023. We're very proud of what they all achieve.'
Newent Community School's next whole school open day takes place on Thursday 10 October 2024 from 12pm. To find out more, visit newent.gloucs.sch.uk.
