Skip to content ↓
Newton Burgoland Primary School

Newton Burgoland Primary School

Together We Can Achieve Excellence

Habits for Lifelong Learning

We expect and support all of our learners to, age appropriately, develop strong habits for learning and character as these are the qualities that shape our lives.

We explain to our learners, that a growth mindset  enables us to value mistakes as opportunities for learning; promotes practise for mastery and helps us to be independent and resilient.

Each class has a description of the behaviours expected for each learning habit.  Certificates are awarded weekly for showing great learning habits.

CHILDREN LEARN WHAT THEY LIVE

--Dorothy Law Nolte

If a child lives with criticism, he learns to condemn.

If a child lives with hostility, he learns to fight.

If a child lives with ridicule, he learns to be shy.

If a child lives with shame, he learns to feel guilty.

If a child lives with tolerance, he learns to be patient.

If a child lives with encouragement, he learns confidence.

If a child lives with praise, he learns to appreciate.

If a child lives with fairness, he learns justice.

If a child lives with security, he learns to have faith.

If a child lives with approval, he learns to like himself.

If a child lives with acceptance and friendship, he learns to find love in the world.

 

Responsibility and Independence

In the world of work we must take responsibility for our choices, actions and words. We must be prepared to take risks, to have a go and to ask for feedback and support when we need it.  We have to be both vulnerable and strong.

Know that we have high expectations of you because you matter.

Class 1

I ask if I am not sure what to do but I have a go myself first.

I focus carefully on my work and I try my best.

I can add to my work to make it even better or have another go.

I practise my reading and spelling at home

Class 2

I am happy to make mistakes when I am learning something new

I only ask for help when I am really stuck.

I am not distracted from my learning by myself or others

I always complete my homework

Class 3

I am determined to achieve my learning goals

I avoid distractions.

I avoid distracting others.

I use feedback and marking to improve

My homework, spelling and reading is always completed to a high standard

Class 4

I set myself goals and I work diligently to achieve my goals

I take pride in my achievements and the achievements of others

I practise and look for strategies to remember my learning

I ask for feedback to improve

I use my knowledge of what strategies have been successful in the past to support me with new learning

At home

I organise my equipment for PE and forest schools

I ask to read

I organise my time to complete homework

I play my part in the family. (setting the table, sorting washing etc)

perseverance and Resilience

Every day we get out of bed  and bravely show up not knowing what each day will bring. We see the images of what perfect looks like and know that we are not. But we are good enough as we are- unique, connected to people who love us and prepared to do our very best each day and that is enough.

In school, we praise those who put themselves on the line and risk getting it wrong because that is how we learn. We praise the courage of having a go  when you are not sure rather than the answer. Be confident that your answer maybe wrong, but there is nothing wrong with you.

Know that you are valued and loved for being you.

Class 1

I keep on trying even when it is hard.

I know that mistakes are a part of learning.

I confidently join in with new learning

Class 2

I make suggestions about how to work things out  and I will have a go even when I am not sure I am right

I have another go if I don’t get it right the first time.

I work hard to improve at the things I find harder

Class 3

I contribute in class even if I am not sure I will get the right answer

I always tackle new learning with a positive attitude and with courage even if I am feeling unsure

I do my very best to focus and learn

Class 4

I talk positively about my struggles to learn

I am kind to myself when learning is tough

I acknowledge my learning mistakes in a positive way

I look for links between my learning in one topic, subject or class an another

At Home

I talk about my learning positively

I talk about how I learned from my mistakes

I stick at things- eg I keep going to a club even if i am not immediately successful

I work on my spellings and tables

Why don't you:

learn to play an instrument, read a challenging book, learn a new sport, learn how to knit

Curiosity and Enquiry

Great questions help us learn and change the world, for the better, if we keep doing the same thing nothing will change, the problems we face will never be solved.

Know that no question is too silly to ask 

Class 1

I ask questions about my learning

I can talk about my learning today and yesterday

I look at books to find out more

I listen to find out more

Class 2

I think about my learning and ask questions to find out more

I read to find out more

I know how my learning today links to work I have done in the past

class 3

I ask questions to find out more

I do not expect to get the solution straight away

I look for links between my learning to help me remember

I enjoy solving problems, even when the solution is hard to find

class 4

I am self-motivated find out more, independently, to support my learning at school

I talk with others to support my thinking and I am open to hearing and building on different ideas

I think carefully to solve problems, trying out different ideas to find the best solution, even if it was not my idea

I ask thoughtful questions and look for answers

At Home

Ask your child:

  • What questions did you ask at school today?
  • What was your best question today?
  • What do you want to find out tomorrow?
  • What did you do that took courage?

Build with lego, create a new recipe, draw, paint, write a song or a story, make a film, read anon-fiction book or watch a documentary

Leadership and Community

What makes a good leader?

  • Positivity
  • Integrity
  • Humility and gratitude
  • Enthusiasm
  • Self-efficacy
  • Diplomacy
  • The ability to put others or the community first
  • Courage
  • Kindness

We can all be leaders but it is not without risk that we bravely show up and put ourselves on the line for others. We admire our pupil leaders for risking the voting system and putting themselves at risk of being not chosen by their peers.  

Know that the only way to lose is by not trying- if you try you have won.

class 1

I come to school excited to learn.

I do my reading and homework.

I  make good choices and follow the rules

I know am a good learner and I want to succeed.

class 2

I take responsibility for my choices.

If I upset someone, I can explain how my choices have made others feel and apologise

I believe I can learn so I am happy to be challenged

I include all  others

class 3

I join in

I think before I speak

I show excellent manners at all times

I help others to achieve

I believe I can achieve- my actions and words show my self-belief.

I am a community member and I include everyone

Class 4

I set a good example to other pupils with my words and actions

I am proud to take on a leadership role

I feel proud when I represent my school and do this positively

I work alongside adults and pupils from all classes in school enthusiastically

I notice if a task needs doing and offer to do it

I make careful choices, including e-safety, and I can manage my emotions

At home

Take pride in your community.

Take pride in  your achievements.

Be positive.

Collaboration and Teamwork

In the world of work, we have to be able to work with other people productively. It is a skill we have to learn and to practise- listening to the ideas of others; bravely sharing our own ideas even when we might get it wrong; adapting to meet the needs of other people; managing our feelings positively.

We often learn best when working with others. The act of communication, problem solving together and sharing knowledge is very powerful but it takes skill and practise to know when to share, when and how to listen. Some people are easy to work with, others less so but we have to learn to work with everyone.

At school we regularly change working partners so that we can develop the skills we need for life.

Know that with practise anD kindness you can work with anyone.

Class 1

I share my ideas and listen to other people’s ideas.

I work well with any partner.

I join in with group activities.

I  can share

Class 2

I am a good learning partner

  • I take turns and join in
  • I include others
  • I share my ideas
  • I stop to listen and I think about what others say
  • I am kind and use kind words
  • I look at my partner

Class 3

I manage my feelings if my idea is not chosen by the group

I help to make sure everyone in a group gets to participate and contribute

I am comfortable contributing to group work on someone else idea

I am happy to take a leadership role in a group

Class 4

I contribute a variety of ideas to a project then agree a plan for what to try first

I am comfortable when my ideas are not chosen when working in a group- I am still happy to participate

I am able to manage conflict and find a solution everyone agrees with

I notice if a group member needs help and I offer help without judgement.

At home

How well do you take turns?

How often do you play a game together and manage winning and losing?

Are you part of a sporting team?

Diversity and Respect

To be kind to others we must first be kind to ourselves. it is OK to make mistakes to learn and move on. When we harbour guilt and shame it is hard to be happy.  Acknowledge mistakes, apologise, ask for help from those you trust and move on. Practise being grateful for what you have, rather that dwelling on mistakes or the things you don't have yet. We promise to forgive and forget.

Don't let a mistake hold you back.

Class 1

I stop, look and listen to the speaker

I say please and thank you

I think before I act

I notice and praise others

Class 2

I am kind to myself and others when mistakes are made

I know we are all different and special

I work well with all other members of my class

I respect the right of others to want to do something different

Class 3

I use kind words

I am proud to be me

I am proud of my achievements

I am proud of the achievements of others 

I am interested in finding out about how other people choose to live so I can be respectful

If I disagree with others I am polite and kind

class 4

I understand the meaning of equality and work hard to promote equality in my school.

I listen to the opinions of others and acknowledge their right to hold an opinion which is different from my own

 I am happy to work with any member of our school community

I communicate sensitively with everyone

My body language, tone of voice and facial expressions show kindness and care

At home

Be careful how you respond to news articles are you perpetuating unhelpful stereotypes? it is easy to make athrow away remark based on the world we grew up in rather than rooted in the world of today and tomorrow.

What does equality look like at home?

Who are the role models for acknowledging mistakes?

How do you use mistakes for learning?

Who says sorry first?

Practise gratitude- you could have a gratitude jar and each add a marble a day for an aspect of the day which went well.