We provide a safe, warm, engaging and challenging learning environment in which we ensure that all students are supported to become the best version of themselves they can be.
We are proud of our status and heritage as a Church school within the Diocese of Salisbury. We embrace the Church of England’s vision for education in which that offers a vision of human flourishing for all through four basic elements of wisdom, hope, community and dignity. As part of our work involved in co locating St Edmund’s with Wyvern College we are currently working with parents, staff, students, governors and Diocese advisors to renew our Christian vision and values as a learning campus of two schools flourishing and growing as one community.
In our friendly and supportive community, our students benefit from excellent teaching, a broad curriculum and an education based firmly on the Christian values of love and forgiveness. We aim to develop our students’ ability to think independently, solve problems, communicate and live happy and fulfilling lives.
We believe that the learning that takes place outside the classroom is as valuable as what happens during lesson times. With this in mind we offer an extensive enrichment programme, encouraging every student to take the opportunity to discover their own talents and passions through the arts, sport and many other activities.
Our students leave us at 16 to study at a range of local sixth forms and colleges and many move on to university. We are always mindful of the fact that we are educating young people who will shape the 21st century; visitors to the school frequently comment on our friendly, confident and articulate students.
We expect all students to work hard, have a smart appearance, manage their own behaviour for learning and respect all members of our school and wider community.
We celebrate success through lessons, worship, whole school assemblies and Presentation Evenings. Wherever we find success, we celebrate it. Rewards include verbal praise, reward points,post cards, subject prizes and certificates, attendance awards and Headteacher Awards for excellence.
In March 2015 Ofsted inspectors reported that ‘The promotion of students’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is a strength of the school so that students are well prepared for life in modern Britain’.
In March 2016 we received our Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools and were judged to be outstanding in all areas.
As we refine our vision for what makes us distinctively Christian, embracing those of all faiths and of no faith, this page will be updated to reflect this.
To read the Church of England Vision for Education please follow this link
Nicola Bull
Headteacher
British Values
At Wyvern St Edmund’s we are committed to ensuring that all students have a broad and balanced education that will allow them to become well-rounded individuals who contribute to their local communities and to society. As part of this commitment we are also ensuring that all students are aware of multi-cultural and multi-faith nature of Great Britain and how we can be good citizens and represent our national values. In 2011 the government set out their definition of British values as part of the prevent strategy. These fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs are actively promoted in Wyvern as part of our curriculum areas.
Democracy
Democracy is a vital part of life at Wyvern College, through the election of our Headboy and senior prefects, form and sport captains, charities and school council representatives students are able to express their views and have a say in important decisions that are made. In addition, students take part in student voice feedback, allowing them the opportunity to share their own views about subjects. We emphasise the importance of voting and the history of Britain’s democratic processes.
The rule of law
We aim to ensure that all students are fully aware of the requirements and consequences of the law in Britain. Through their work students understand laws regarding key issues such as personal safety and responsibility which is reinforced by visits from local police officers and PCSOs. Through assemblies students discuss the role of rules and laws and the requirement for citizens to be able to follow the laws of the country. Students are also made aware of the responsibilities they have to uphold the law, the rights of people that need to be protected and are given the opportunity to discuss laws that they think should be in place and why.
Individual liberty
Our goal is to equip all students with the skills and knowledge to enable them to make informed decisions in a safe and secure environment. Across subject areas students develop an understanding of what it means to have rights and responsibilities and how to manage difficult choices. Students are encouraged to make positive choices about their work, their involvement in extra-curricular activities and their role in the school.
Mutual respect
We are wholly committed to the values of respect and tolerance at Wyvern College. Students are expected to respect all members of the community and to understand what respect is and why it is so important. This is reflected in our school ethos and expectations and our work across the curriculum. In some lessons and during tutor time our work focuses on issues including self-respect, sexism, homophobia, religious intolerance and discrimination. We have a zero tolerance policy on bullying and this is emphasised both in PSHE lessons and tutor time. Events such as our ‘ZT’ focus and anti-bullying week actively demonstrate our commitment to mutual respect for all.
Tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs
Across the curriculum students engage with different faiths, belief systems, philosophies and cultures. They understand the reasons for different belief systems and these beliefs may be shown in modern Britain. We emphasise respect for others and the need for respect for all people. Students are given the opportunity to visit places of worship and engage with visitors of different faiths. Our assemblies encourage discussions of different faiths and beliefs and explore a variety of issues relevant to modern Britain.