In Saint Matthew’s Academy we are committed to a vision which is rooted in the Charter for Catholic Schools in Scotland. Pupils, parents, staff and partners have been involved in establishing our vision and values. By ensuring we are challenging and ambitious we seek to present a vision which reflects the needs and aspirations of our Community of Faith and Learning.

Vision

Our vision for Saint Matthew’s Academy is one of a community of faith and learning dedicated to Gospel Values. We work together to ensure the effective formation and development of the whole child by providing the highest quality of education. We strive to ensure our young people develop their talents and abilities in order to best support the common good.

Values

Our values underpin our ethos within Saint Matthew’s Academy. They are CLEAR and we strive to ensure they are visible throughout our school.

Community – we understand that each of us – pupils, parents, staff, parishes and partners – are called to engage as full members of our Community of Faith and Learning. We must use our gifts and abilities to help and support those around us while at the same time allowing ourselves to be supported.

Love – Jesus teaches us that the greatest commandment is to love God with all our heart. The second is that we must love our neighbour as ourselves. We show love in our charity, in our service, in our forgiveness, in our compassion and in our patience. Love is the foundation of all our actions.

Equality – we believe that all people are created in the image and likeness of God. By recognising the equal dignity of all, we celebrate difference and strive to create an inclusive, tolerant and welcoming ethos where each individual has the opportunity and support to participate fully in our community.

Achievement – our Catholic school is one in which everyone has the opportunity to reach their potential. By providing high quality learning experiences we encourage all to achieve. We pursue excellence in all that we undertake to ensure each member of our community has opportunities to develop and grow their talents and skills in order to fulfil their potential in every area of their lives.

Respect – Gospel Values only truly exist in our interaction with each other and with the world around us. By ensuring that all relationships are built on a mutual and genuine respect we create a Community of Faith and Learning where all can attain their full potential. We have respect for others and for ourselves as we understand and greatly value the gift of life we have been given.

Aims

As a Catholic school, our aims are:

  • to promote Gospel values of love, understanding and respect through all our activities and at all times;
  • to develop all members of our community spiritually, morally, intellectually, socially and physically;
  • to provide the highest possible standards of learning and teaching;
  • to develop in our young people awareness of and respect for different cultures and an understanding of our social responsibilities;
  • to nurture in our young people creativity and aesthetic appreciation;
  • to provide a safe, stimulating and welcoming environment;
  • to work in close partnership with parents, the Church and the wider community; and
  • to provide opportunities for the personal and professional development of staff.  

Our Gospel values are at the heart of the Curriculum for Excellence which Saint Matthew’s Academy provides. We strive to ensure our young people have opportunities to put faith and learning into practice. We encourage our students to act justly and with compassion. We challenge them to use their gifts and abilities in order to work together for the good of the whole community so that they may aspire to become:

  • successful learners;
  • confident individuals;
  • responsible citizens; and
  • effective contributors