In July 2024 we decided it was time to reinvigorate our school vision. 

• It had been created more than 16 years ago and did not reflect the staff, pupils, parents or governors of today.
• The children did not know it anymore, they recognised ‘shine’ but the other values had been lost.
• It was not aligned to current research and best practice which validates the need for achievement.
• There was too much to it to remember, it needed to be more succinct.
• We wanted it to motivate all stakeholders, create a culture that would help our school be a great place to be and drive achievement.

We did wish however to keep the school’s identity and individuality.

We consulted with:

• Staff in July 20024
• Parent survey 2025
• Governors in meetings and surveys in 2025
• We talked to our pupils
• Parents mostly wanted their children to be happy!

 

The key words were:

Creating our vision: 

• After consulting we pulled together key words.
• Our Headteacher, Mrs Borrington worked with our Local Authority School Improvement Partner to draft ideas. 
• As a new Senior Leadership team we decided on the new vision and values.
• Now we are sharing it with yourselves...

 

Our first Vision and Values Day at Overseal

Our day began with a whole-school assembly exploring the importance of valuing everyone at Overseal. We focused on the theme of forgiveness, discussing how understanding and kindness help us support one another—even when mistakes are made or someone is having a tough day. The children learned how forgiveness helps us build a happy and supportive school environment. We also enjoyed singing our new school “Shine” song, which celebrates how each person contributes to a positive school atmosphere through what we do and say.

Throughout the day, children reflected on how they achieve and shine at Overseal. They created inspiring art, poetry, and imagined their future selves, setting goals for what they hope to achieve later in life. The kitchen even made us special star biscuits for lunch to mark our Vision and Values day.

After school, it was wonderful to welcome so many parents into school. Families were able to see how children live our vision and values at Overseal, view the beautiful sculpture lights created by Years 4, 5 and 6 with a visiting artist, and explore various projects completed by the children. We were excited to share our “We All Achieve” school portfolios, which start in Year 1 and follow each child through to Year 6. These portfolios showcase progress and achievements, and are a treasured record children take home at the end of their journey with us. We also launched our “Overseal Shine Cultural Passports”—booklets given to Year 6 pupils that record the many activities they have participated in, such as a teddy bear picnic, learning an instrument, and riding a bike. On stage, parents were treated to a showcase including dance in the forest, performances from our school production, and our flute group.