The World Starts Here Strategic Plan 2014-2019
These pages form a framework designed to develop our school where features of excellence, innovation and inspired teaching and learning will be evident in every classroom and hallway. It will consolidate the Ashbury brand as a leading independent school for both day and boarding students, in Canada and internationally. The process for the development and construction of the plan involved substantial data collection, review of best practices and information gleaned from roughly 1,200 survey questionnaires completed by students, parents, alumni and staff. Balancing those responses with trends in independent education and wider national demographics, a Task Force comprised of volunteer stakeholders worked diligently to explore and define future directions and goals for the College. This plan outlines refined core values for the school, five key goals, 28 action items, and introduces a new vision statement to guide the growth and decision making to carry Ashbury through its 125th anniversary—and beyond. With these foundations to steer us forward, the world will begin at Ashbury.
Norman Southward Head of School
Vision
We strive to embrace innovation in teaching and learning; to create new opportunities for students to connect with others within Canada’s capital region, nationally and internationally; to attract students ready to be challenged by an enriched curriculum; and to prepare students to contribute to a better world.
Mission
Our mission is to engage students in a dynamic learning environment and inspire them to become intellectually curious, compassionate and responsible citizens.
Core Values Academic Excellence Our enriched academic programs promote critical thinking, creativity and the pursuit of knowledge in preparing students for success in university and in life. Our teachers thrive within a culture of innovation and creativity in teaching and learning excellence and are committed to continuous improvement.
Community The spirit of Ashbury is characterized by enthusiasm and cooperation and based on strong and productive relationships among students, staff, alumni and parents. Our caring coeducational community offers a safe, structured environment in which students and staff members are encouraged to reach their potential.
Character Development We foster ethical and spiritual growth in a community founded on mutual respect. Our students and staff act with integrity and compassion. Ashbury provides an environment that supports constructive debate, allows time for reflection, and encourages community involvement and personal responsibility.
Personal Growth Athletics, the arts, outdoor education, spirituality and service to others drive our students to take risks and to strive for excellence. They learn about the importance of commitment and collaboration. Participation leads to the development of healthy, self-confident, resilient individuals with strong leadership skills and balanced lives.
International Engagement As an IB World School located in the heart of Canada’s bilingual capital city and profiting from a culturally diverse community, we foster students who are open-minded to the perspectives, values and traditions of all cultures and who act with international understanding and global responsibility. We share a spirit of outreach locally, nationally and globally and seek partnerships to enhance our learning.
“The school faces a more challenging demographic and economic situation going forward. As a result, we need to integrate new technologies and new teaching practices.” – Katie Macmillan, Chair, Strategic Planning Task Force
one Develop our culture of excellence and innovation in teaching and learning DeďŹ ne a clear academic direction embedded in an enriched curriculum that embraces both ministry programs and the International Baccalaureate Diploma. Review the requirements of the Ashbury Diploma and course offerings to reect our renewed academic vision and direction. Institute targeted centres of excellence across academic areas including mathematics, sciences, humanities, languages, arts and athletics. Establish a strategy for integrating new technologies to support pedagogy and facilitate global connectivity of students and teachers. Enhance bilingual program offerings in both Junior and Senior Schools. Enhance faculty professional development based on reective practice and high performance expectations. Ensure academic leadership and decision-making structures are aligned to promote excellence and innovation in our teaching and learning.
“The opportunity to consult, and to truly hear from all members of our community, ensured that we are moving forward together.” – Jenny Wright, Director of Teaching and Learning
two Enrich each student’s unique personal growth and character development within our co-educational environment Articulate a vision for character development and personal growth that guides our approach to co-curricular offerings and sets clear expectations for student behaviour. Enhance inclusive leadership models and skill development in student life programs and apply the fundamentals of recognized leadership programs such as IB CAS, Duke of Edinburgh and Round Square. Foster cross-cultural appreciation and international engagement in student academic and co-curricular programs. Develop support for university placement and student career guidance. Enhance life skills programming to ease students’ transition to life after Ashbury. Formalize a meaningful community service program, both locally and globally, as a key element of the Ashbury student experience. Develop a chapel program that honours our traditions and that fosters ethical and spiritual growth in a diverse community.
“We want to ensure that we remain an accessible first choice for families in the National Capital Region, and for boarding students from around the world.” – Norman Southward, Head of School
three Expand access to an Ashbury education for students with merit and potential through a meaningful financial assistance program Establish a financial assistance plan with specific targets to significantly increase support to prospective students who have the potential to benefit from and enhance the school community. Institute an endowment growth plan that supports an enhanced financial assistance program. Support a robust recruitment and admissions strategy that relies on firm metrics that are regularly reviewed and reported.
“There is an enormous sense of responsibility to doing this right— developing our cutting-edge programs to guide Ashbury into the future.” – John Richardson, Teacher
four Leverage our stakeholder and community connections to enrich the student experience Develop strategic partnerships within the National Capital Region and international organizations that support faculty growth, curriculum offerings and the student experience. Broaden connections with experts in the parent and local community to enrich teaching and learning at Ashbury. Enhance alumni engagement to support current students and Ashbury graduates. Engage the community around targeted advancement activities for Ashbury’s 125th anniversary.
“A competitive school like Ashbury College needs to be adaptive to change and continue to build on its high standards.” , , – Melis Kirikoglu, 14 (UC Berkeley 18)
five Manage our resources for long-term sustainability Be recognized as a preferred employer in the educational sector as outlined in a comprehensive Human Resources strategy. Conduct ďŹ nancial assessment of program offerings for relevancy and sustainability. Complete a facilities audit to ensure that current and anticipated program needs are being met. Develop a Summer Program Strategy to optimize the use of our facilities throughout the year and to open Ashbury to others in the Ottawa community. Create a marketing and communications plan aimed at existing and prospective families that highlights the Ashbury Advantage. Identify long-term opportunities for alternate revenue generation and program delivery. Review governance structures to ensure they support the implementation of the Strategic Plan and new legislative requirements affecting not-for-proďŹ t organizations.
Join us as we celebrate 125 years of Canada’s proudest independent school.
362 Mariposa Avenue Ottawa, Ontario K1M 0T3 Canada 613.749.9630 • ashbury.ca
Canadian Accr edited Independent School s
of International Schools