Somerhill Strategic Vision 2030

Strategic Vision

2030

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INTRODUCTION The Somerhill 2030 Vision is an ambitious plan which looks to shape the next phase of our strategic direction. As occupation of the Somerhill site passed its 30th anniversary in 2020, we look to the future and set out to be sensitive and respectful of the past, yet equally visionary in how we can continue to provide an outstanding education for our young people in this unique setting.

Here the best of co-education and single-sex schooling meets in harmony.

Our vision of growing amazing people has at its heart, the fundamental priority of delivering an outstanding educational experience to each one of our young people. It is devised with the purpose of keeping abreast of the very best educational practices and providing cutting-edge facilities as the prep school of choice. In this, we seek to ensure absolutely, the equality of our young people; boys and girls can benefit from being taught separately, yet simultaneously we can maximise the benefits of a co-educational setting for their social development.

We stand today as a thriving school of 600 pupils from the age of 2-13, yet we are not complacent about our future. To be dynamic and provide the modern education our young people need to succeed in the future, we ensure that they are at home in the digital domain as in the natural world. We grow independent thinkers in whom we foster resilience, to become socially responsible people with a strong moral compass; individuals that are driven by strong values and a deep care for each other.

We aim to give them the discrete skills to manage in an ever-changing world. Moreover Somerhill will continue to be, above all, a safe place both physically and mentally for children to explore and learn; their pastoral care and wellbeing is our priority. It is key for children to benefit from a broad and balanced education, building robust foundations. As such they will leave Somerhill with a growth mindset and a strong attitude to learning, ready to embrace future challenges as amazing people.

Duncan Sinclair Principal

Diane Huntingford Chair of Governors

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VISION We grow amazing people who have a love of life and a passion for learning.

MISSION To inspire each of our pupils to achieve their greatest all-round development and success in a unique physical and learning environment.

CORE VALUES In fulfilling our mission, core values guide every decision, action and relationship.

KINDNESS RESPECT RESPONSIBILITY COMMUNITY EXCELLENCE RESILIENCE 4

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We aim to give each child self-esteem, resilience and a determination to make their lives as fulfilling as possible both here at Somerhill and as members of a global community

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We encourage our pupils to work hard and take a pride in achievement, to think honestly and independently, to face up to challenges, to accept responsibility, to show concern for others and the environment and to develop a broad range of skills and interests

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In a caring and happy community, we want our pupils to make the most of their talents and promote the well-being of themselves and others

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We seek to invest in our staff both in terms of their welfare and their Continued Professional Development to ensure high quality teaching, pastoral care, management and leadership

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SOMERHILL STRATEGY

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES

Our four strategic objectives represent the areas on which Somerhill will focus in order to achieve the greatest impact. The following pages detail specifically how we will advance these objectives.

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STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES

BUSINESS RESILIENCE

To provide an environment that enables children to develop skills for life in an increasingly complex world.

To recognise the aspirations that our children hold for their tomorrow by adopting social and environmental responsibilities today.

To have a resilient operational infrastructure based on a robust business plan.

NITY ENGAGE M MU M

SS RESILIEN CE INE US

FOR LIFE ILLS SK

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COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

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N AND C ATIO HA OV

E ENG LL

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To offer an innovative education which challenges and inspires.

SKILLS FOR LIFE

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INNOVATION AND CHALLENGE

SOMERHILL STRATEGY

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OVAT NN

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STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE

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Innovation and Challenge To offer an innovative education which challenges and inspires.

Embed a teaching methodology which focuses equally on skills, attitudes to learning and attainment Ensure a progressive pathway through Somerhill, which recognises the characteristics of effective learning Create a balance of the indoor and the outdoor, the digital and the natural Provide inspirational enrichment programmes and diverse learning Offer dynamic and challenging professional development for all staff

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SOMERHILL STRATEGY

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SKI L

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FOR LIF

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STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES

Skills for Life To provide an environment that enables children to develop skills for life in an increasingly complex world.

Instil in every young person emotional intelligence which offers consideration for self and others Foster an understanding of the need to personally invest in and make good choices about both their mental wellbeing and physical health Promote healthy, risk-taking learning in which key skills of leadership, problem solving, critical thinking and teamwork are integral Develop and encourage the pupil voice to give them a sense of perspective of their responsibilities and role within the community

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SOMERHILL STRATEGY

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COMMU

M E NT GE

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES

T Y ENGA NI

Community Engagement To recognise the aspirations that our children hold for their tomorrow by adopting social and environmental responsibilities today.

Improve our outreach into the local community Promote access and opportunity through assisted places and public benefit Hold respect for the environment as a core value Increase awareness of the global community

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SOMERHILL STRATEGY

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BU S

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES

SS RESI

ENCE LI

E IN

Business Resilience To have a resilient operational infrastructure based on a robust business plan.

Safeguarding Somerhill’s financial health and competitive position Evolve an appropriate staffing structure which meets our needs and provides opportunities for all to grow and develop their skills Continued improvement of the learning environment Further development of the facilities on site in support of the strategic vision

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SOMERHILL STRATEGY

Somerhill 2030 www.somerhill.org 01732 352 124

@SomerhillKent