AGSB Developing Excellence Strategy

ALTRINCHAM GRAMMAR SCHOOL FOR BOYS

DEVELOPING EXCELLENCE PRIORITIES FOR DEVELOPMENT 2023-2027

During the past 5 years, the School has met the objectives of an ambitious strategic plan and has successfully navigated many significant challenges. After such challenges, it was hugely rewarding to receive the recognition of the School’s achievements contained in the recent ‘Outstanding in All Areas’ Ofsted Report.

At Altrincham Grammar School for Boys we strive for excellence in every aspect of School life by challenging pupils and staff to aim high and seize the opportunities on offer. Our strategy for Developing Excellence is based on extensive feedback from pupils, parents, staff, governors and alumni. It anticipates the changes we believe lie ahead and the steps we must take together to ensure we hand over a thriving school to future generations. Tomorrow is shaped by the plans we make today.

Mr G.A. Wright Mrs Ann Balfour Head Master Chair of Governors

VISION

To offer an exceptional all-round education which enables all students to fulfil their personal and academic potential, in an environment that is caring and inclusive.

1. LOVE OF LEARNING

We foster curious, creative and engaged learners who pursue academic excellence.

LEARNING THROUGH VALUES

2. RESPECT

We are an inclusive community which cares for the world around us, treats everyone with kindness and humility, and celebrates diversity in all its forms.

3. RESPONSIBILITY

We teach students to be helpful, generous, empathetic and brave, in preparation for their future roles within society.

4. RESILIENCE

We understand that challenge is desirable, failure is a learning opportunity and seeking support is a sign of strength.

AGSB DEVELOPING EXCELLENCE

1: DEVELOPING CHARACTER

The choices an individual makes determines their future, and the purpose of developing good character is the ability to make good choices. Developing Character will allow our students to flourish as individuals, and as members of a wider School community.

HOW WILL WE DO THIS? WE WILL...

Develop Character using an externally certified framework and build in an ‘In-house Diploma’ recognising and celebrating engagement in our diverse and rich co-curricular programme.

Enhance the student leadership and student voice model which will enable personal growth and school development.

Focus on the importance of service to others, civic duty, volunteering and cultivating positive relationships in the local community.

Provide the highest standard of impartial support and guidance to equip students with the ability to be broad-minded in considering the pathways open to them for life after AGSB.

2: DEVELOPING SCHOLARSHIP

We are a School that celebrates its academic credentials and heritage. We encourage the growth of intellectual curiosity, independence, creativity and habits of learning through inspirational subject specialists who provoke and stretch the students’ minds in order to develop a lifelong love of learning.

HOW WILL WE DO THIS? WE WILL...

Ensure students study a broad range of subject disciplines, and recognise the unique value of every subject in contributing to a well-rounded education.

Continue to develop outstanding teaching in all curriculum areas to foster intellectual curiosity and embrace challenge.

Encourage the development of students’ digital skills to prepare them with confidence for the world of work.

Develop a co-ordinated enrichment programme within subject areas to encourage independent reading and learning beyond the confines of the curriculum.

Develop a coherent study skills programme that encourages metacognition and independence.

3: DEVELOPING CULTURE

We are proud of the diversity of our School community, which comprises of students from a wide variety of backgrounds. We will embed equity, diversity and inclusion into all aspects of school life and maintain a safe, caring and inclusive School culture.

HOW WILL WE DO THIS? WE WILL...

Maintain and develop a safe, caring and inclusive school culture. Embed equality, diversity and inclusion into all aspects of school life.

Enhance the culture of Peer Support across the School, with the introduction of fully trained student ambassadors in mental health, anti-bullying and well-being.

Support students with emotional challenges, including any that might be linked to learning in an academically selective environment.

Enhance knowledge and awareness of Special Educational Needs and Inclusion across all Key Stages.

4: DEVELOPING STAFF

Staff are our greatest resource. We will develop a high quality professional development programme and maintain a strong focus on wellbeing.

HOW WILL WE DO THIS? WE WILL...

Provide a diverse range of professional development opportunities to support the career progression of all staff.

Introduce a reformed appraisal system for teaching staff to provide a systematic, developmental and supportive annual review of performance.

Aim to diversify our workforce to reflect the multi-ethnic nature of the student body.

Commit to regular review of staff well-being and workload and institute change where appropriate.

5: DEVELOPING OPPORTUNITIES

Through outreach, a new Estates masterplan and the development of partnerships, we will build on our outstanding reputation and future proof the School for future generations.

HOW WILL WE DO THIS? WE WILL...

Advance ‘Development at AGSB’ focusing on fundraising and expanding opportunities for Alumni engagement.

Explore opportunities to develop our Outreach programme (Horizons) and welcome even more students from less advantaged backgrounds to AGSB.

Create a long-term strategy for the development of the School site by means of a refreshed site Master Plan.

Increase collaboration with local girls’ schools particularly within student leadership and co-curricular activities.