Our Aims, Ethos and Values
Putting girls first, since 1878
Our Aims and Ethos
- At Sheffield Girls’ we aim to nurture a love of learning and curiosity in our girls that encourages them to explore, question and challenge.
- We want our girls to be confident, to flourish and be ready to take their place, and make a difference, in an ever-changing world.
- We want our girls to be proud! Proud of themselves, proud of each other, proud to be forged at Sheffield Girls’.
We are committed to ensuring that talented and academically gifted girls from all backgrounds have access to an education at our wonderful school.
We ensure that these opportunities are available through providing bursaries and running an active outreach programme.
Our Values
We have three school values: Positivity, Kindness and Courage.
We want our girls to be positive. Positive in the way they approach their learning, positive in the outlook on life, positive in their aspiration for the future.
We want our girls to be kind. Kind to others, kind to themselves, kind to the world they live in.
We want our girls to have courage. Courage to stand out from the crowd, courage to speak up for what is right, courage to push herself that little bit further.
Our Approach
Our School’s approach also reflects the values of the Girls’ Day School Trust. These are:
We always put Girls First. They are the focus of everything we do.
We are Fearless. We act and speak with conviction and commitment and we are not afraid of thinking differently.
We are Forward-thinking. We stay ahead through purposeful innovation.
We are a Family of schools. We support each other and share our learning across our unique network.
Class Sizes
Our small class sizes enable teachers to really get to know and understand each of our pupils, and to support their well being and development as individuals.
Our excellent student-teacher ratios ensure that every girl is seen and heard, and given the time and attention to make the most of the opportunities available in the classroom.
Class sizes range from approximately 15 – 18 in Infant and Juniors to approximately 20 in Senior School. Smaller groups of around 8-12 are common in our Sixth Form.
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- Our all-girls setting nurtures confidence, individuality and ambition, ensuring every student thrives in an environment where gender is never a barrier.
- Pupils enjoy a focused, purposeful atmosphere where working hard and striving for excellence is the norm, fostering enthusiasm and motivation in learning.
- Learning is challenging yet engaging, with dynamic, fast-paced lessons delivered by expert teachers who inspire, innovate and understand how girls learn best.
- Our broad and balanced curriculum ignites curiosity and prioritises personal growth, resilience and character development alongside academic excellence.
- We embrace a culture where making mistakes is part of the learning journey, instilling resilience, confidence and a ‘can-do’ attitude in our students.
- Our exceptional pastoral and wellbeing team provides specialist support, ensuring students feel equipped to manage friendships, personal challenges and emotional wellbeing.
- Every girl is valued as an individual in our inclusive and supportive school community, where mutual respect underpins all interactions. Every year the GDST conducts an ‘Undivided Survey’ linked to our DEIB Charter through which our pupils are invited to share their experiences and opinions on inclusivity, diversity and belonging across the school.
- We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive, equitable learning environment where diversity is celebrated, and students are empowered to challenge inequality. Our commitment to this earned us the Unicef Rights Respecting Schools Silver Award.
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- Digital technology enhances the learning experience, equipping students with the skills and responsibility to be confident digital citizens.
- Our extensive co-curricular programme offers over 100 clubs and activities, allowing students to explore new interests, develop talents and achieve success at every level, including national competitions.
- Our exceptional enrichment programme encourages creativity, risk-taking, teamwork, leadership, competition, and independent learning, ensuring our Girls of Steel are prepared for the future.
- Our outstanding careers programme was the first in Sheffield to achieve Career Mark Platinum accreditation, offering expert guidance for every student.
- As part of the GDST, our students gain access to an unrivalled network of professional women who provide mentorship, advice and inspiration.
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- Experiential learning is embedded in our trips and visits, both locally and internationally, broadening students’ social and cultural understanding.
- Outdoor learning and adventure opportunities are available at all ages, taking full advantage of our proximity to the Peak District.
- Sustainability is a core value woven into our curriculum and school ethos, ensuring students develop a sense of responsibility for the planet.
- Every student engages in community projects, volunteering, fundraising and partnership initiatives, reinforcing our belief that they have the power to make a difference in the world.
“I feel pride in being a Sheffield High School girl. It is the people who shape an institution, and I am so lucky to be surrounded by such passionate people who care for their students.”
Mia Venables, Head Girl 2020-21
The power of an all-girls education
The only all-girls school in the region, we offer a learning environment dedicated to girls’ learning needs and preferences, an environment where girls can establish their own identities, attitudes and self-worth free from gender stereotypes during those crucial formative years.
We support young women to become brave enough to ask a question in a board meeting, lead a large team, or to disagree with the views of others. We equip our girls with the strength to try, and fail, and try again.
We firmly believe that girls’ education has never been more important, because it has a purpose and a unique position in a world that can only benefit from the contribution these girls will make to a better future for us all.
