Why Selston? - Selston High School

Compelling School Culture

Our school proudly champions a vibrant culture centred around our core values: Ambition, Teamwork, Honesty and Respect. These values are more than mere words; they are the foundation of our mission – to provide our students with opportunities and experiences to enhance their life choices, making a positive contribution to the world we share. They influence every aspect of our school, from the curriculum to our pastoral approach. Our hope is that instilling these values doesn’t just transform individual lives but moulds students into active members to their communities, fostering a meaningful and lasting difference. We are proud to say that at Selston our values are lived and loved.

High Value Curriculum

At Selston our high value curriculum is carefully curated to equip students with the skills and knowledge to excel both academically and professionally. Aligned with our mission and values, the curriculum fosters a supportive learning environment where achievement is celebrated and progression is supported. It promotes holistic development, including social, moral, spiritual, and cultural growth, alongside intellectual and physical skills. With a focus on research-informed practices, our curriculum offers opportunities for independent and collaborative work, preparing students for the challenges of our ever-evolving world. We integrate comprehensive careers education, guidance and tailored support, ensuring students are highly employable and empowered to make informed choices. We are also proud to highlight that our curriculum surpasses the National Curriculum standards. It is not only broad and balanced but also knowledge-rich, ensuring students receive a comprehensive education that prepares them for success.

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Enrichment

At Selston High School we believe education goes beyond classrooms. Our enrichment programme is an integral part of our commitment to providing a first class educational experience. We believe in nurturing existing talents and igniting new passions through a diverse range of activities, fostering students’ resilience, confidence, and independence. Whether it’s an overseas expedition or participating in the Duke of Edinburgh Award, our students have numerous opportunities to explore, grow and connect with peers. Through these experiences, as well as their core studies, students will grow intellectually, personally, and socially, becoming well-rounded young adults ready to take their place in the world.

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Selston Pledge

Our school motto, “Inspire Success,” reflects our commitment to nurturing well-rounded individuals who excel. The Selston Pledge Award embodies this philosophy, recognising and celebrating students’ achievements across six categories: Academic, Creative, Leadership, Voluntary, Sport and Vocational. By participating in the Pledge Award, students not only develop a diverse skill set but also gain valuable recognition for their efforts. Whether pursuing college/university admissions, employment opportunities or other endeavours, the Selston Pledge Award serves as a testament to students’ dedication and accomplishments. With four levels, bronze, silver, gold, and platinum; the award offers flexibility to accommodate each student’s unique journey, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous growth throughout their time with us.

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Literacy

At Selston High School we prioritise literacy as a cornerstone of academic success and personal development. Our comprehensive literacy approach ensures that students become fluent readers, writers and speakers, equipping them with essential skills for life. We integrate literacy seamlessly across all subjects, supported by a dedicated library and passionate Student Literacy Leaders who promote a love for reading throughout the school. With a commitment to following best practices endorsed by the Education Endowment Foundation, all staff are trained to be teachers of literacy, emphasising the importance of literacy skills in every aspect of students’ lives. Through targeted interventions, regular reading assessments and a range of engaging activities such as the Accelerated Reader Programme and author visits, we strive to instil a lifelong appreciation for reading.

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Careers

We are committed to nurturing effective and independent learners who can realise their full potential in a positive learning environment. We believe in laying the foundation for students’ future success by instilling crucial career development skills from Key Stage 3 onward. Through our tailored programme students are empowered to become well-informed and independent young adults by Key Stage 4, capable of realistically planning and organising their own pathways. Our holistic approach focuses on developing employability skills, fostering knowledge and nurturing understanding to enable students to make informed decisions about their future in both learning and work. We encourage students to aspire and facilitate their successful transitions through initiatives such as work experience, careers fairs, and mock interviews. At Selston High School we are dedicated to providing quality careers education and robust destinations support, ensuring that every student is equipped to navigate their future with confidence and success.

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Ready to Learn

At Selston High School our ‘Ready to Learn’ approach establishes structured routines for academic success and personal growth. Aligned with our values, it emphasises punctuality, organisation, and teamwork. Through our system of rewards and corrections, students consistently demonstrate employability standards, including punctuality, uniform pride, organisational proficiency, and positive behaviour. We want students to be thinking about the content of the lesson, which can only be the case when learning habits are embedded. This approach ensures that students are well supported to be ready and equipped for their learning journey with dedication and a sense of responsibility, contributing to both their academic success and personal development.

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Celebrating Success

We take great pride in celebrating the achievements of our students in various areas of their academic journey and personal growth. We understand that success presents itself in diverse ways, encompassing not only academic accomplishments but also effort, attitude to learning and contributions to the community. Through our comprehensive recognition system, students receive achievement points in lessons, reflecting valued characteristics and capabilities aligned with employability standards. We go beyond academic achievements to reward individual efforts and collective accomplishments within tutor groups, fostering a culture of encouragement and support. Whether it’s excelling in academics, demonstrating perseverance, or making positive contributions to the community, we actively seek opportunities to celebrate the diverse successes of our students, recognising and nurturing their potential in all areas of their journey at Selston High School.

Community Engagement

Selston High School is at the heart of the Selston village community. Our commitment to our values and mission influences every aspect of our school, including our dedication to our community and efforts to remove barriers to learning and participation. Through various support tools, our aim is to eliminate obstacles to learning and strengthen family and community relationships. We take great pride in our extensive community links, including partnerships with several local charities and organisations, Including our neighbours, the Tin Hat Centre. We recognise the vital role community engagement plays for both the community and our students, actively encouraging student involvement in community service to nurture a sense of responsibility and civic pride. These efforts contribute to cultivating a strong sense of social consciousness, of which we are proud.