At Goldthorpe Primary Academy we are committed to providing a caring, friendly and safe environment for all of our pupils so they can learn in a relaxed and secure atmosphere. We believe every pupil should be able to participate in all school activities in an enjoyable and safe environment and be protected from harm. This is the responsibility of every adult employed by, or invited to deliver services at, Goldthorpe Primary Academy. We recognise our responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of all our pupils.

The culture of our school is based on the principles of dialogue, inclusion and mutual respect. All dealings between staff, pupils and parents will be characterised by a code of common courtesy and good manners. Partnership, working together and celebrating diversity, cultures and differences, are the corner stone of our school community. 

We are committed to providing a service to our pupils who are recognised as the most important group within the school community. Staff will demonstrate due consideration and respect for all pupils and pupils’ rights to voice opinions will be recognised with staff working with students to deal with their concerns. 

The efforts which members of staff make to improve the learning process and promote partnership will be recognised by pupils adopting an active role in their own learning. 

When dealing with difficult situations we will seek to resolve problems by mediation, respecting the feelings of all involved. The school will continue to develop its existing positive links with the local community and promote civic pride in its achievements and reputation. 

The Sky is the Limit! A plan for greatness is a plan to succeed. You might fail as you try but we are all continuous learners and we continue to practise and to conquer our goals. We learn from situations, we dream big and we strive for greatness. Grasp every opportunity and work to your full potential, we are all here to support each other in achieving great things. Reach for the stars – the sky is the limit and no star is too far!

“Everyone is special in their own way. We make each other strong. We’re not the same, we’re different in a good way. Together is where we belong.” The lyrics from this song are exactly how our school is made up. We are all different and all unique, but together as a school family, we make a whole. We support each other, care for each other and help each other reach our goals.

The phrase don’t judge a book by its cover means that you shouldn’t make a judgement about someone or something—be it a book or otherwise—based solely on appearance. After all, a cover of a book may be boring, just plain without an image or illustration, yet its pages be filled with highly entertaining characters and stories; and by passing it by you’d miss out on a great read. This is the same for people but every day people make many snap judgements based on appearance. Most often these aren’t harmful, but sometimes labels can be hurtful and betray underlying prejudices. Remember that sometimes what we see on the outside is not what is inside. We should not judge by appearances, but get to know one another, and find out about what is inside each of us. By finding out about each other we can make true friends.

Valuing others means seeing difference as something positive. It means trying to understand how others think and feel, and knowing that this helps you as well as them. It is first important to value yourself and to practice self-respect. Respect yourself as an individual and allow yourself to make choices. You are responsible for yourself and your own actions and feelings. Treat others how you want to be treated. If you want people to treat you with kindness, treat other people with kindness. If you want people to talk to you calmly, talk to others calmly. Extend the kind of words and behaviours you’d like people to give you. Put yourself into other people’s shoes. It can be hard to give respect and value to other people’s views if you cannot relate to them so try to imagine what it would be like to have their experiences and feelings. This can help you understand their point of view better and respond in a more empathetic way.