School values key to success
EVERY school has values that play a crucial role in shaping the moral and academic aspects of learners.
These values guide every learner on what the school seeks to achieve.
Civilisation comes with adherence to values in the home, school and society.
In our school, there are core values that are important for every learner.
They include the following:
◆ Excellence: We believe in both moral and academic excellence. Excellence is striving to do more and be great. Yes, mistakes are made along the way, but they are corrected for the greater outcome. Learners who are disciplined and committed to their schoolwork always display excellence in what they do.
◆ Passion: In order to succeed in their academic studies or win in sport and the arts, learners must have passion for the activities. Passion is the interest one has in learning new things and the positive attitude required in an activity where time and energy can be invested. Having passion helps one to stay engaged and motivated in their work.
◆ Respect: A biblical concept, often referred to as the golden rule, says: “Do unto others as you want them to do unto you”. We believe in showing respect to everyone. Respect is about treating others as you want to be treated. No one wants to be ill-treated. This value of respect teaches us to be polite when talking to everyone, to greet teachers and visitors, to admit that we have made a mistake and to appreciate our differences.
◆ Collaboration: We believe in working together as we commit ourselves to our purpose in school. The Bible says: “All things work together for good, for those that are called according to His purpose.”— Romans 8:28. Together, we discuss and share ideas that can sharpen our thinking and improve our performance in different disciplines.
◆ Creativity: This calls for thinking critically in whatever tasks we are given so that we come out with the best that we can discover through learning and research. This makes us analytical and develop skills that can solve challenges of the 21st century.
◆ Responsibility: Good learners are responsible for their actions. This is accountability, which instils a sense of order as we learn. When learners are required to perform a number of tasks, they learn self-discipline, time management and empathy. They also end up understanding the consequences of their actions.
◆ Determination: We believe determination is the key to becoming the best learners in academics, sports and culture. Determination to win ignites perseverance in learners as they pursue their goals.
Natasha Nleya and Rutendo Karonga are Form Two learners at Wise Owl High School, Marondera, Mashonaland East province.