School Vision and Ethos

Non Ducor Duco - I am not led; I lead

We believe education is transformative.

What does that mean?

We teach our students what it means to work hard at being the best version of oneself so one can act as a good citizen and become a lifelong learner.

Every child who comes to The Sele School will leave as confident individuals, capable of realising their potential and have the skills and knowledge to learn and become whatever they wish to become.

At the Sele School, our ethos is reflected in our motto, Non Ducor Duco which means I am not led; I lead.

Every member of the school community (students, teachers, and support staff) understands that they are responsible for their own actions and choices. We all have a responsibility to society to ensure our school is inclusive, safe and allows each and every member to work hard and achieve their goals.  

The Sele School 2023

Values

Our vision and ethos is realised through these six values - I.S.C.A.L.E - which every member of the school community embraces and upholds: 

1. Information and Knowledge 

“The intellectual, the moral, the religious seem to me all naturally bound up and interlinked together in one great and harmonious whole” - Ada Lovelace  

Why do we value Information and Knowledge? 

So that we can apply the information and knowledge to help us make the right decision and/or arrive at the right conclusion.

2. Scholarship

“A good head and good heart are always a formidable combination. But when you add to that a literate tongue or pen, then you have something very special.” - Nelson Mandela  

Why do we value Scholarship? 

So that we can be curious; ask searching questions; debate rationally; develop deep thinking and independence skills and ultimately become a hard-working member of the wider community.

3. Challenge

“Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly.” - Robert F. Kennedy  

Why do we value Challenge? 

So that we can respond to failure as a part of the learning process. Challenge teaches us to be resilient, confident, and motivated; we relish challenge and difficulty as it forces us to think, work harder and be better than we are today.

4. Ambition 

"The only limit to the height of your achievements is the reach of your dreams and your willingness to work hard for them” - Michelle Obama  

Why do we value Ambition? 

So that we can make our dreams our reality. We want more because we have worked hard enough to earn more. We are not just part of the local community; we are part of the global community. 

5. Leadership

“It is the obligation of the ruler to continually renew himself in order to renew the people by his example” - Confucius  

Why do we value Leadership? 

So that we can be responsible for our actions; contribute positively to the community and the environment. We live up to our civic responsibility but most of all, we take charge of our life and bring about positive change to ourselves and the world around us. 

6. Empathy 

"Learning is a result of listening...and empathy grows as we learn" - Alice Miller  

Why do we value Empathy? 

So that we can challenge social injustice and participate fully in society. It is equally essential if we are to lead full and meaningful lives in both our personal and, later on, our professional lives.