Our Core Stances

Harrogate High School Core Stances

At Harrogate High School, we take pride in upholding a culture of high expectations for all students. Our HHS Core Stances are what we, as staff, commit to every day to ensure our students thrive in an environment where engagement, learning, and connection are at the forefront of everything we do.

Champion Engagement

We are dedicated to fostering an environment where students are ready to engage fully with their lessons and the school community. Our engagement stance includes:

  1. Strive for 5 – Encouraging lesson readiness.
  2. 2, 3, 2, 1 aaaaaaand stop – A clear routine to focus students.
  3. One-way system in corridors – Ensuring smooth transitions during the school day.
  4. Uniform checks – Challenged by all staff, every time.
  5. Phone use – Consistently monitored and addressed by all staff.
Champion Learning

To help students maximize their potential, we have designed a structure that champions effective learning:

  1. HHS Toolkit – Supporting key classroom routines.
  2. Annotated seating plans – For better student management and tailored support.
  3. Frequent checking for understanding – Ensuring all students grasp key concepts.
  4. Activating hard thinking – Engaging students in challenging tasks.
  5. Feedback in purple pen – All lessons include regular, constructive feedback to promote improvement.
Champion Connection

We believe that building connections is essential to student success. Through these initiatives, we foster meaningful relationships between staff and students:

  1. Sharp starts – Setting the tone for each lesson.
  2. Listening ladder – Promoting open communication between staff and students.
  3. Being present and active on duty – Ensuring staff presence throughout the school to maintain a positive environment.
  4. Building positive relationships – Encouraging mutual respect and support.
  5. Restorative practice – Addressing issues constructively to maintain harmony in the school community.