Ethos and Mission

With Christ at our heart, we are a loving, caring family where each individual is nurtured in mind and spirit to fully become the person God created. In learning together, we support each other to reach our full potential in a safe and stimulating environment where all are valued and respected.

At The Willows we strive to actively promote values, virtues and ethics that shape our pupils' character through the teachings of the Catholic Church. Our whole school assemblies, assemblies and school Masses re-enforce this and it is embedded throughout our curriculum and daily experiences. Through our weekly Celebration of the Word, RE lessons, PSHE, and promoting the Diocesan Virtues, we are able to make real links between the values of our pupils and the lives of others in their community, country and the world in general.

Catholic schools within the Diocese of Lancaster must ensure that as part of their Catholic teachings from Learning and Growing as the People of God, Values & Virtues are a key focus. These values and virtues show how pupils are growing in their faith as well as how schools help children to grow. Every half term there will be a different focus. It is intended that all of the Catholic schools across the diocese are looking at the same value and virtue which will help strengthen our common bond.

Autumn 1 – Loving and Compassionate

In growing to be loving and compassionate, everyone at The Willows will show kindness in how they speak and act. They will care for others, offer support and welcome everyone with friendship and acceptance. They will listen carefully, seek to understand and respond with patience and respect. They will be tolerant of difference and ready to forgive when mistakes are made. Through love and compassion, they will help create a school where everyone feels valued, safe and cared for.

Autumn 2 – Hopeful and Faithful

In growing to be hopeful and faith filled, everyone at The Willows will look to the future with trust and expectation. They will stay positive and patient, even when things feel uncertain. They will believe that effort matters and that good can come from challenge. They will grow as disciples who live out their faith through daily actions, showing devotion, reverence and humility. They will place their trust in God and in one another, knowing they are blessed and never alone. Through hope and faith, they will learn to act with quiet confidence, gentle strength and a deep sense of purpose.

Spring 1 – Grateful and Generous

In growing to be grateful and generous, everyone at The Willows will notice and appreciate the good in their lives and in others. They will give thanks for what they have and recognise the efforts of those around them. They will share willingly, give their time and help others without being asked. They will be open hearted and welcoming, showing kindness and hospitality to everyone they meet. Through gratitude and generosity, they will learn that small acts of giving can make a real difference.

Spring 2 – Active and Curious

In growing to be active and curious, everyone at The Willows will take an energetic and enthusiastic approach to learning. They will join in fully, stay lively and proactive and make the most of every opportunity. They will ask questions, explore ideas and show real interest in the world around them. They will think carefully, investigate deeply and enjoy finding things out. Through being active and curious, they will develop a love of learning that drives them to keep asking why and how.

Summer 1 – Courageous and Truthful

In growing to be courageous and truthful, everyone at The Willows will be brave enough to do the right thing, even when it feels hard. They will act with honesty, speak the truth and stand by their words. They will be bold and confident learners who are willing to learn from their mistakes, try new challenges and step outside their comfort zone. They will show loyalty and faithfulness to their friends, their school and their values. They will be dependable and trustworthy, knowing that others can rely on them to make good choices. Through being courageous and truthful, they will grow into young people who are proud of who they are, sincere in how they act and strong in character when faced with difficulty.

Summer 2 – Aspirational and Discerning

In growing to be aspirational and discerning, everyone at The Willows will aim high and work with determination towards their goals. They will be motivated, hard-working and eager to improve, showing dedication in all that they do. They will think positively about the future and be willing to try new ideas and different ways of doing things. They will make wise choices, reflecting on their actions and learning from experience. They will evaluate their work and actions honestly, recognise what needs to improve and take responsibility for getting better. Through being aspirational and discerning, they will develop ambition guided by good judgement.