Today I have been discussing a vision statement, at the school where I am a governor. As the school is a Church of England Primary school, in addition to having a vision which inspires the community to action, it also needs to reflect the Christian foundation of the school. We spent time debating Christian theology to identify which Bible chapters and verses best exemplifies the purpose and the meaning of the school vision. In addition to the school vision statement, the school has identified values which are used to help realise the vision. These are all matched with Bible stories which are used regularly in school collective worships and throughout the school day.
I found myself wondering whether we too often overcomplicate things. The most compelling vision is often the most simple and easy to understand and visualise. It needs to be articulated in unambiguous language. Everyone needs to be able to imagine – to see – what the vision looks like if it is reached. You need to be able to give examples and to describe what a realised vision looks like.
With this simplicity comes the potential for transformation. A community can transform behind a convincing and inspiring vision, led by a determined and driven leader, or leaders. The vision then becomes your rationale for any action that you take:
· The curriculum is being adapted, because of your vision;
· an intervention is implemented, because of your vision;
· an additional opportunity is provided, because of your vision.
A final decision has not yet been reached at my school, but I know that we all want to keep things simple, yet aspirational.
"If one is lucky, a solitary fantasy can totally transform one million realities." —Maya Angelou.
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PS: Yes I took my dog to school today, havoc ensued!
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