The importance of WHY

I have previously read Sinek’s books about finding your Why. So I was unsuprised to see the starting point of the course.

For those that don’t know Sinek’s argument in a nutshell:

1. Most companies explain what they do really well, may explain how they do it but don’t mention the WHY.
2. Companies that do it different include Apple, who say
   1. Everything we do is about challenging the status quo, we believe in thinking differently
   2. The way we challenge the status quo is by making our products beautifully designed and easy to use
   3. And we happen to make great computers. Want to buy one

A story told of Chrisophe Wren talking to two stonemasons. When asked what thhey were doing. One said “shaping stones” the other said building God’s house, a cathedral. Guess who works better?

As a school we develped this when I arrived and we share it with all new staff and come back to it regularly.

Our Why

• We believe that education is the key to a successful and fulfilled life
• We believe that success is determined by effort and character
• We believe that education is more than exams. It is about the character and skills to be a curious and internationally minded citizen who loves learning and wants to improve the world
• We believe that a great school changes lives

Our HOW

• A focus on effort, practice and mindset as the key to being successful
• A focus on overcoming challenges and barriers rather than excepting poor performance
• No Islands: Education is a community effort. We want to build partnerships with parents, other schools and the local community to deliver an excellent education to every child

Our What

• A school where all (staff and students) are:
  • celebrated
  • supported to be the best that they can be
  • stretched and challenged so that they thrive
• A school where all students:
  • achieve the examination results to go on to university or apprenticeships
  • learn character, resilience and curiosity