At Carlton & Faceby and Bilsdale Federation, we believe that education is about far more than academic achievement. We are committed to developing confident, resilient and compassionate young people who are equipped to thrive in school, in their communities and beyond.
Our vision of being KIND underpins all aspects of school life:
- Kind and accepting
- Independent learners
- Never giving up
- Determined to be our personal best
Through our curriculum, enrichment opportunities, collective worship, leadership roles and wider experiences, we help every child develop the knowledge, skills, character and values needed to flourish.
Personal development is not an additional aspect of school life. It is woven into everything we do.
Our Federation Fab 15
We believe every child deserves memorable experiences that broaden horizons, build confidence and create lasting memories.
Our Federation Fab 15 represents fifteen key experiences that we want every child to enjoy during their time with us. These carefully planned opportunities help children develop independence, resilience, aspiration and a sense of belonging while ensuring that every pupil, regardless of background, benefits from a rich and varied education.
The Fab 15 provides opportunities for children to:
- Experience awe and wonder
- Develop confidence and independence
- Learn new skills
- Embrace challenge
- Contribute to their community
- Explore the natural world
- Develop leadership qualities
- Create lifelong memories
By the time children leave our federation, they will have participated in a wide range of experiences that help prepare them for the next stage of their education and for life beyond primary school.
Personal Development Passports
Every child from Reception to Year 6 is provided with a Personal Development Passport, which travels with them throughout their journey in our federation. The passport celebrates children's achievements both in and beyond the classroom and enables them to record their progress towards completing our Federation Fab 15 experiences.
As children move through school, they use their passports to reflect on memorable experiences, recognise personal successes and make meaningful links to British Values, leadership opportunities and life beyond the classroom. By the time pupils leave Year 6, their passport provides a unique record of their growth, achievements and the wide range of opportunities that have helped them flourish as confident, responsible and well-rounded young people.
Leadership and Pupil Voice
We believe children should play an active role in shaping their school community.
Our pupils have opportunities to take on leadership responsibilities through roles such as:
- School Council
- Worship Leaders
- Eco Team
- Reading Ambassadors
- House Captains
Through these roles, children learn how to communicate effectively, work collaboratively, take responsibility and contribute positively to school life.
We actively seek children's views and encourage them to help shape decisions, improvements and future developments across the federation.
Developing Character
Our schools place great importance on developing character and values alongside academic success.
We encourage children to become:
- Respectful and caring
- Responsible and trustworthy
- Honest and courageous
- Resilient and determined
- Inclusive and accepting
- Aspirational and ambitious
We support pupils to understand that mistakes are opportunities for learning and that effort, perseverance and kindness are just as important as achievement.
Mental Health and Wellbeing
Children learn best when they feel safe, happy and valued.
We are committed to promoting positive mental health and emotional wellbeing through:
- Strong relationships with trusted adults
- A nurturing and supportive ethos
- Emotional literacy and self-regulation strategies
- Opportunities for reflection and mindfulness
- Support for children experiencing additional challenges
- Physical activity and healthy lifestyles
As Thrive accredited settings, we strive to ensure every child feels known, valued and supported as an individual. Mrs Rachel Grundmann is our Thrive accredited practitioner.
Spiritual Development
As Church of England schools, we place great importance on children's spiritual development.
We encourage pupils to explore life's big questions, reflect on their experiences and develop a deeper understanding of themselves, others and the world around them.
Spiritual development takes place through:
- Collective worship
- Religious Education
- Reflection opportunities
- Outdoor learning and Forest School
- Music, art and literature
- Experiences of beauty, awe and wonder
- Service to others and charitable work
Our aim is to help children develop curiosity, empathy, gratitude and a sense of purpose. See our Church School page for further information.
Life in Modern Britain
We prepare children for life in a diverse and ever-changing society.
Through our curriculum and wider opportunities, children learn about:
- Democracy
- The Rule of Law
- Individual Liberty
- Mutual Respect
- Tolerance and understanding
We celebrate diversity and teach pupils to value the different cultures, faiths, beliefs and experiences that make up modern Britain.
See our British Values and Protected Characteristics pages for further details.
Enrichment Beyond the Classroom
We want children to discover interests and talents that extend beyond the classroom.
Throughout the year, pupils benefit from a wide range of enrichment opportunities including:
- Educational visits
- Residential experiences
- Sporting competitions
- Music and performance events
- Community projects
- Charity initiatives
- Visitors and workshops
- Outdoor and adventurous activities
- Church and community celebrations
These experiences help children develop confidence, resilience and a love of learning while creating memories that last a lifetime.
Community and Service
Our federation sits at the heart of two rural communities, and we are proud of the relationships we have built with families, churches and local organisations.
We encourage children to understand the importance of helping others through:
- Fundraising activities
- Community events
- Environmental projects
- Church partnerships
- Charity work
- Intergenerational experiences
By serving others, children learn the importance of kindness, compassion and active citizenship.
The Archbishop of York Young Leaders Award
Pupils in Years 5 and 6 participate in the Archbishop of York Young Leaders Award, a programme that encourages children to develop leadership skills through service, responsibility and positive action. Through the award, pupils learn that leadership is not about being in charge, but about making a difference to the lives of others through kindness, teamwork, courage and compassion.
The programme provides opportunities for pupils to identify needs within school and the wider community and take meaningful action to address them. Through planning and leading projects, fundraising, environmental initiatives and community work, children develop confidence, resilience and a strong sense of social responsibility, helping them become thoughtful, active citizens who are ready to make a positive contribution to the world around them.
Preparing Children for the Future
Everything we do is designed to help children become successful learners and responsible citizens.
By the time pupils leave Carlton & Faceby and Bilsdale Federation, we want them to be:
- Confident in who they are
- Proud of what they have achieved
- Curious about the world around them
- Respectful of others
- Prepared for future challenges
- Ready to make a positive contribution to society
Through our vision, values and personal development offer, we ensure that every child is given the opportunity to flourish and become the very best version of themselves.
