Newstead Wood School is a unique and special place to learn. We value learning in its widest sense and want our students to develop a deep understanding of the subjects they study. We want them to learn to be fascinated by each subject, and become truly independent learners who seek out new knowledge and ideas, and actively debate and discuss topics and issues. We aim for our students to become resilient learners, who are challenged by new knowledge and problems, and who rise to challenges and seek to persevere and solve these. We know that the journey to success will contain some failures along the way. Students and staff alike are encouraged to take risks and to try new things, to be creative, solve problems and to inspire others around them. We have high expectations of staff and students alike; our students are encouraged to take responsibility, articulate views, ask questions and lead their peers. Collaboration, feedback and support also sit at the heart of our learning community.
"Our school is very good at giving many opportunities for improvement and achievement. The teachers are helpful and I feel safe and happy. I have many good friends and I feel at home. Everyone is very supportive and kind at this school and I am proud to be a part of it." Year 7 Student
"Our school is very good at giving many opportunities for improvement and achievement. The teachers are helpful and I feel safe and happy. I have many good friends and I feel at home. Everyone is very supportive and kind at this school and I am proud to be a part of it."
Our Newstead 10 highlight the key principles we adopt at Newstead Wood School. Students have the resources they need to lead their own learning, and the support from their teachers to do this. Our 'Learning to Fly' documents outline how students can take their learning beyond the classroom and ‘fly’ as they conquer subject disciplines and develop passion and love for a topic.
Learning isn't restricted to the classroom. The importance of extracurricular activities and learning outside the classroom is widely understood and an essential part of our learning experience. Independent study and homework are an essential part of the learning process. We do not believe in setting homework for the sake of it, so when homework is set, it will always add value and consolidate to develop learning further. We also value the importance of consolidation and provide time in the week before a school holiday for students to manage their time themselves when we don’t set formal homework.
For students looking for stretch and challenge or further inspiration in a particular area, our ‘Learning to Fly’ documents give guidance and advice to facilitate independent research and enquiry at the highest level.