Our Journey

From the initial plans for the AGS Learner to more recent changes, we have always been keen to review and develop our strategy using feedback from groups within the school community, latest research findings as well as local, national and international partnerships.

From consultations, to launch and beyond

2014 - 2015Consultations take place with our staff, students and parents about what characteristics they feel will make a successful learner at AGS. Feedback is combined with the latest educational theory and research and the five traits of the AGS Learner are decided.
2015 - 2016AGS Learner is launched to staff and students and a half termly focus introduces each key aspect. Staff build the development of learning into their lessons alongside the delivery of their subject. Monthly items in the newsletter keep parents up to date with AGS Learner progress.
2016 - 2017The AGS Learner website is launched! After a successful Year 1, AGS Learner is in place and student, staff and parent feedback is used to shape how we develop and improve. Student and staff learning working groups continue to be active in refining what we do.
2017 - 2018We continue to review and develop AGS Learner using student, parent and staff feedback. AGS Learner is central to staff CPD and student guidance on successful learning. The very popular and successful Learning Workshop enables parents to better understand the challenges, pressures and rewards of being a learner.
2018 - 2019Are we missing anything? That is the key question for this year to help us consider how to take AGS Learner forward.
2019-2020The focus on learning character, as part of AGS Learner, has been effective in developing our students’ learning habits. We have been very keen to enhance AGS Learner by bringing in aspects of Emotional Character to support emotional health, wellbeing and resilience through weekly Personal Development sessions – this was much needed given the challenges of 2020!
2020-2021As we all have to adjust the way we learn and interact with each other, due to the impact of Covid-19 and online learning, our focus on Emotional Character has become increasingly important. Greater awareness of mental health and wellbeing, to equip our students with the knowledge and skills to cope and flourish, is delivered through our pastoral support systems.
2021-2022As we emerge out of school covid closures and return to a sense of normality, Personal Development sessions become fully embedded across the whole school focussing on character, healthy living, healthy minds, diversity and belonging as well as awareness of local, national and global issues. In addition, we become a Character Hub School for ACE (Association for Character Education) and support other schools with their own character journey - fantastic recognition of the success and impact of the AGS Learner!
2022-2023We conducted another review, including a whole school character survey to get feedback from parents, students and staff – all of which was very positive and also highlighted some areas to further develop (increasing the opportunities for student leadership and working more closely with parents). We continued our work as a Character Hub School, supporting over ten other schools over the year and achieved the prestigious Quality Mark Plus award for our work on character.
2023-2024Following last year's review, there were some clear areas to focus on. We expanded and enhanced leadership opportunities for students, beyond the Buddy and Prefect roles - this was something that we shared with other schools, at the annual ACE Conference. A parent working group was set up to discuss how to increase parental engagement and understanding of our approach to character. We continued to support other schools, working closely with Circle Education and ACE.