ARETÉ LEARNING TRUST
In December 2017, we joined the Areté Learning Trust and work closely with our trust colleagues at Stokesley School and Sixth Form College, Mill Hill Primary School, and Northallerton School and Sixth Form College. Our name, Areté, was chosen because of the values represented by the Greek word ἀρετή which encapsulates striving for excellence, fulfilling our purpose and becoming the best we can be: it is associated in mythology with bravery, with generosity of spirit and with moral courage, as well as with achievement - aspirations we hold dear for all students in our Areté Learning Trust schools.
Please read the welcome from Richard Crane, CEO of the Areté Learning Trust below. Further information can be found Areté Learning Trust
We were delighted to welcome Richmond School and Sixth Form College into Areté Learning Trust in December 2017. Since then, it has been inspiring to develop our collaborative work across the trust schools and realise the benefits of partnership working.
The values evident in the work of the school resonate so closely with the trust values encapsulated in the trust name - Areté, which, in its basic sense, means excellence of any kind. In Greek mythology, it embraces wider ideals, including moral values, the idea of excellence being intrinsically linked to the concept of perfecting oneself. In the ancient world, this notion of excellence encompassed the aspiration to fulfil purpose – becoming the best one can be – it is associated in mythology with bravery, with generosity of spirit and with achievement.
The concept implies that as individuals and as a community, our actions matter: in a complex world, human value and meaning can be judged by our contribution, our efforts, behaviours and self-improvement. The word is analogous to deep learning – the pursuit of knowledge, in terms of self-awareness as well as academic study: the belief that studying is the highest form of happiness is particularly appropriate for our schools.
Our shared vision is that every child, whatever his or her circumstances and starting point, has unique skills and qualities and given the support, encouragement, opportunity and challenge to achieve, can do so. It is our task to create a context for them to thrive, academically, personally and socially, to experience the real joy of learning, as well as preparing them for the adult world.
I am proud to have Richmond School and Sixth Form College in our Trust and have been privileged to work with the staff and students and to share in so many wonderful experiences which showcase the qualities and talents of the young people and their teachers.
Richard Crane
CEO, Areté Learning Trust
A MESSAGE FROM THE TRUST
As the school year approaches its end, this is to inform you that our CEO, Richard Crane, is leaving the Trust. Having taken up the position in April 2021, just as Northallerton School was about to move to its new accommodation, he had a very busy first few months. Thereafter, he has immersed himself in supporting the schools, most recently overseeing the successful integration of our first primary school, Mill Hill. Richard is now going on to a new challenge. The Board has a clear succession strategy and will keep staff, parents and students informed of our plans. In the meantime, we thank Richard for his service and wish him well for the future.
Catherine Brooker,
Chair, ALT Trustees' Board