Our School

School Ethos

At Willow International School the School ethos is to inspire, grow and develop students to reach their full potential and contribute to humanity with purpose.

School Mission

To make teaching and learning inspiring, exciting and enjoyable.

Support and challenge every child to grow in fulfilling their academic potential, whilst creating a safe and secure environment, where every child is happy, valued and prepared to make a positive contribution to society, through academic achievement and development of their spiritual, moral, social and cultural values.

Why Willow?

We have been asked many times why we named our school ‘Willow’

The Willow Tree represents balance, learning and growth – Our image of the Willow Tree represents the strength, stability, and structure of the trunk, standing firm and withstanding the greatest of challenges. Its ability to grow and survive is powerfully symbolic and shows how we can thrive even in challenging conditions.

The leaves on our logo are connected to show growth within the different age groups.

The willow tree gives us hope, a sense of belonging, and safety.

The Willows Way enables you to thrive and grow into the strong, empowered human being you were always meant to be!

Facts about the Willow Tree –

  1. It is a popular wood to use in weaving and wickerwork.
  2. The bark is used as a treatment for cold and flu and young twigs from the tree were once chewed in aid of pain relief.

The Aims of the School

  • The development of an inspiring and stimulating professional environment which is organised, secure, structured, purposeful and effective.
  • To create an environment in which all children can experience success and thereby build self-confidence in their spiritual, moral, social and cultural standing.
  • To develop the all-round potential of the children through the vehicle of a rich, broad, balanced, and differentiated curriculum.
  • To help children to acquire and grow intellectual skills and apply them.
  • To develop in children a positive attitude towards education as a continuing process.
  • To develop children’s growth mindset and ability to embrace a challenge.
  • To promote a climate in which creativity can flourish and provide for children’s physical development.
  • To recognise the importance of two-way communication with parents and any outside support agencies.
  • To develop in children an awareness and understanding of our own and other cultures, religions, races, and ways of life.
  • To develop skills of communication in which the children are free to express themselves, encouraged to respect the views of others within their group and ultimately society in general.
  • To equip and prepare the children for a changing society and to enable them to adapt and thus develop qualities of self-reliance and self-discipline and self-esteem.
  • To challenge every child to achieve at the highest level they possibly can, so that they can reach their maximum potential.

Governance

The Headteacher is responsible for the direct control and running of the school.

Financial Matters are carried out by the Proprietor. General policy and practical management are carried out by the School Board.

Willow International School Board Members:

CHAIR: Mrs Amanda Riding

MEMBERS:
Deputy Headteacher
Head of Secondary
Head of Primary
Child protection & Safeguarding Lead
Pastoral Lead
Administrative Lead

Our Facilities

Modern On-site Facilities

  • Dedicated Primary building
  • Five-a-side Football Pitch
  • Air-Conditioning and heating in all classrooms and common areas
  • The well-equipped Primary Stage classrooms come complete with independent bathrooms and access to play areas. The Infant playground has high-quality play equipment and safety surfaces.
  • Every classroom is equipped with state-of-the-art interactive whiteboards and Wi-Fi/internet CAT5 connection.
  • Training is regularly provided to all staff to ensure that teaching and learning are up to date, with the latest developments in Education.

ICT Equipment

The School Board recognises the importance of ICT and has supported the investment in technology across the school.

Our computing facilities are constantly expanding and our students now benefit from a dedicated ICT suite with print facility. Primary school pupils also have access to the suite from Year 5 as part of our transition programme, as well as use of Interactive whiteboards in each classroom.

Where the School must close for Public Health Reasons/Covid-19, the School Timetabled lessons are presented on-line using a Microsoft Teams platform.

ICT Equipment

The School Board recognises the importance of ICT and has supported the investment in technology across the school. Our computing facilities are constantly expanding and our students now benefit from a dedicated ICT suite with print facility. Primary school pupils also have access to the suite from Year 5 as part of our transition programme, as well as use of Interactive whiteboards in each classroom. Where the School must close for Public Health Reasons/Covid-19, the School Timetabled lessons are presented on-line using a Microsoft Teams platform.

Sports Facilities

Physical education is a major area of curricular & extra-curricular activity. It is considered a healthy way to develop pupils’ physical competence and confidence. It also promotes physical motor skills, physical development and knowledge of the body in action.

Physical education provides opportunities for pupils to be creative, competitive and to face up to different challenges as individuals and to work in groups/teams promoting a positive attitude towards an active and healthy lifestyle.

At Willow International School, pupils have access to excellent sports facilities including: a 7-a-side artificial pitch with integrated basketball and volleyball courts. When using the outside agency provision the facilities are extended to include a full-size football pitch, tennis courts an indoor gymnasium and outside swimming facility.