Welcome to Alder Grange

The ethos at Alder Grange is unique. It can best be summarised by the statement: 

“Once an Alder Granger, always an Alder Granger” 

We explicitly teach our students what it means to be an Alder Granger from the moment they arrive at school in Year 7, and refer to this frequently. The ethos is primarily built upon relationships, which are  warm and caring, supporting a genuine family feel. Many of our staff are former pupils, and many generations of the same families have sent their children to Alder Grange, reflecting the strength of  feeling for the school within the community. The majority of our pupils stay with us for 7 years, staying on at ag6, our purpose built sixth form, where they access a range of courses to prepare them for university or apprenticeships, in an environment that shares the same family ethos as the main school. 

These relationships are modelled and developed in lessons, we encourage all pupils to care for one another and the school, to work as a team and to take on leadership roles. We see these relationships develop further in the wider curriculum, in clubs, competitions, and trips and visits out of school. We have high expectations of all pupils and share these overtly to ensure they make good progress in learning and in developing the broader skills they need  to become successful and well-rounded individuals. Lessons are carefully planned to support all pupils and additional interventions are in place for those who need them. Our intention is to help our young people grow to become independent, resilient and effective citizens. We strive to deliver a personalised curriculum. Academic progress and attainment are extremely important to us, and you will find our pupil examination results reflect this. We value pupils of all abilities and celebrate every success. This is due to a total commitment to excellent teaching and learning by a highly skilled and dedicated staff, constantly reflecting upon and developing their own practice.  

Our behaviour policy is based on relationships too; rules are consistently applied by all staff and pupils are given the support they need when they are struggling with this. We have invested in specialist  behaviour staff to support and prioritise this. All members of our school community apply the principles of the 3Rs (to be Ready, Respectful and Responsible)  in their interactions with each other. Pupils know that they get a fresh start every day. We celebrate difference and  inclusivity, and there is zero tolerance for bullying or behaviour that is sexist, racist or homophobic. Pupils feel safe at Alder Grange because of this. 

The well-being priority in school ensures all pupils and staff access to support to ensure optimal emotional wellbeing and physical health. Our pupils are confident and able to articulate how they are feeling as a result of taught sessions and regular reminders.  

There is a genuine family feel to the relationships we foster with our young people and their families. Support for Alder Grangers does not end when they leave school, and pupils frequently return to access help or to share successes. We understand that pupils “will never forget how we make them feel,” and Alder Grangers feel valued, cared for and a sense of  belonging to our family.

Our current priorities in school fall under three headings:

• Belonging – A continued “love of school” and sense of belonging for all pupils and all staff
• Achievement – All pupils achieve their potential, thrive in school and make good academic progress
• Aspiration – All pupils and students aspire to achieve the best they can, have a positive view of ‘what they are good at’ and have clear goals for next steps after Alder Grange 

As a school we are never quite satisfied and build ongoing self-evaluation into the school calendar to allow us to constantly review and reflect on our practice in order to improve.

I have been a member of staff at Alder Grange since 1998 and I feel immensely proud and privileged to be the Headteacher of this wonderful school. I love the school and am passionate about ensuring it continues to go from strength to strength.

You would be welcome to visit at any time.

Joanna Griffiths

Headteacher

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