Our Mission Statement in Harcourt Terrace ETNS
Harcourt Terrace ETNS is an Educate Together School, run in accordance with the Rules for Primary Schools of the Department of Education and Science. We at Harcourt Terrace ETNS, seek to provide an environment that is child-centred, co-educational, equality-based and democratically run. Our mission is to educate our pupils to their fullest potential while enhancing their self-esteem and creativity. All pupils are treated as individuals and their uniqueness is celebrated. All members of our school community are encouraged to respect themselves and others and we aspire to provide our children with the life skills necessary to become the best they can be.
Harcourt Terrace ETNS is run in accordance with the principles of Educate together:
• Child-centered
Our school aims to create a learning environment that nurtures and encourages all children so that they may explore their full range of abilities and reach their highest potential. Children in our school have a right to have their voice and opinions heard and decisions in our school are always taken in the best interests of the children.
• Equality-based
The Educate Together school model is based on equality and human rights. Educate Together schools provide a learning environment that is safe and supportive of the identity of every child.
• Co-educational
Our school is open to boys and girls on an equal basis. Every effort is made to avoid and challenge gender stereotyping both in attitude and teaching materials.
• Democratically run
Our school is run by management committees that are democratically elected and run and the involvement of parents is sought and encouraged. Children will contribute to school management throughout their time in our school through a variety of platforms such as student council, green schools, and playground committees.
Learn Together Ethical Education Curriculum:
In place of religious instruction programmes, which are taught in denominational schools, Educate Together schools teach the Learn Together Ethical Education Curriculum. This curriculum has four strands:
• Values and ethical perspectives – children learn about feelings and values, the development of conscience, choices and consequences, stillness and meditation.
• Equality and Justice – children learn about wants and needs, rights and responsibilities; the promotion of equality and the nature of democracy locally (student councils are encouraged), nationally and globally.
• Belief Systems – children learn about the rites and ceremonies, celebrations, key figure and beliefs and values of the six main world religions: Islam, Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism and Sikhism. Schools also address Atheism, Agnosticism and Humanism.
• An ethical approach to the Environment – children learn about appreciation and stewardship of the natural world. Educate Together schools have an ethos of respect, diversity & inclusion.