Over the past academic year, we have held an extensive consultation process involving pupils, staff, parents/carers and partners to consider a new vision and set of values for Dalkeith High School. Through this feedback we have collated valuable insights that provide a clear direction for our school’s aspirations.
The consultation showed strong agreement across students, parents/carers, staff and partners that uncompromising respect, inclusive belonging and ambitious resilience should be the foundation of our school community. You can view a summary of the information gathered here.
The Consultation Process
To make sure everyone had a say, a staff working group was set up to lead the project. We gathered views through focus groups, workshops, and surveys:
What Each Group Told Us
Pupil feedback
Students want a school where they feel safe, happy, and feel like they belong. They described a “dream school” as a place filled with kindness, equality, and inspiring teachers. They highlighted that being hardworking, respectful, and resilient should be the traits they build upon in school.
Staff feedback
Our staff focused feedback on wanting to create a learning community where everyone is treated fairly and has equal opportunities. They value empathy, effort, and building strong relationships with students and their families. Their goal is to see every student achieve their best in a supportive environment.
Parents and Carers feedback
The top priorities for parents were that we build a safe and inclusive environment which focuses on academic excellence. Parents/carers shared that you want your children to grow into confident, independent, and respectful adults. There was also a strong call for high standards of behaviour, a calm place to learn, and a clear approach to tackling bullying.
External Partners feedback
Community partners emphasised work readiness and responsibility as key features of an excellent school. They believe the school should be a “safe space” that prepares young people to be professional, solve problems, and respect diversity in the workplace.
The Three Pillars of Our New Vision
Based on all returns received, we need the following three elements visible or implied in any final vision statement or values set.
The working group has worked hard since the start of term to synthesise the feedback and build options for our shared school values and a shared vision statement. We believe we have brought together key themes from all stakeholders to build a vision we can all work towards. You can see suggested vision statements and values here.
Justification for the suggested values: The Dalkeith Way
While there are two formats to vote on, below illustrates why these words were chosen as our top three values.
Respectful, Ambitious, Inclusive/Belonging—are a direct response to stakeholder feedback.
Consultation Summary : Re-developing our School Vision and Values
Over the past academic year, we have held an extensive consultation process involving pupils, staff, parents/carers and partners to consider a new vision and set of values for Dalkeith High School. Through this feedback we have collated valuable insights that provide a clear direction for our school’s aspirations.
The consultation showed strong agreement across students, parents/carers, staff and partners that uncompromising respect, inclusive belonging and ambitious resilience should be the foundation of our school community. You can view a summary of the information gathered here.
The Consultation Process
To make sure everyone had a say, a staff working group was set up to lead the project. We gathered views through focus groups, workshops, and surveys:
What Each Group Told Us
Pupil feedback
Students want a school where they feel safe, happy, and feel like they belong. They described a “dream school” as a place filled with kindness, equality, and inspiring teachers. They highlighted that being hardworking, respectful, and resilient should be the traits they build upon in school.
Staff feedback
Our staff focused feedback on wanting to create a learning community where everyone is treated fairly and has equal opportunities. They value empathy, effort, and building strong relationships with students and their families. Their goal is to see every student achieve their best in a supportive environment.
Parents and Carers feedback
The top priorities for parents were that we build a safe and inclusive environment which focuses on academic excellence. Parents/carers shared that you want your children to grow into confident, independent, and respectful adults. There was also a strong call for high standards of behaviour, a calm place to learn, and a clear approach to tackling bullying.
External Partners feedback
Community partners emphasised work readiness and responsibility as key features of an excellent school. They believe the school should be a “safe space” that prepares young people to be professional, solve problems, and respect diversity in the workplace.
The Three Pillars of Our New Vision
Based on all returns received, we need the following three elements visible or implied in any final vision statement or values set.
The working group has worked hard since the start of term to synthesise the feedback and build options for our shared school values and a shared vision statement. We believe we have brought together key themes from all stakeholders to build a vision we can all work towards. You can see suggested vision statements and values here.
Justification for the suggested values: The Dalkeith Way
While there are two formats to vote on, below illustrates why these words were chosen as our top three values.
Respectful, Ambitious, Inclusive/Belonging—are a direct response to stakeholder feedback.
The school community is now in the process of voting for their preferred vision statement and set of values.
