Arete Partnership

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Introduction

The word ‘Arete’ was originally bound up with the Classical notion of the fulfilment of purpose, the act of living up to one's full potential.

The Arete Partnership was established between Gordon’s School and Woking High School in June 2015 with a commitment to providing opportunities for our staff and students discover and develop their talents and interests to the highest standard possible, to lead healthy lives and to make a positive difference to the lives of others. Such people are more likely to enjoy well-being and lead happier lives. In 2023 the partnership welcomed Robert May's School, Odiham and Blenheim High School, Epsom.

The partnership schools work together in the spirit of collaboration and innovation to:

• improve pedagogy and practice
• provide high quality nationally endorsed and bespoke educational training and enterprise. This is available within the partnerships and beyond, for staff and students
• create opportunities for students to work and compete together.

In all that we do, there is a shared belief that how we act is as important as what we achieve. Character matters. We expect staff and students to behave with courtesy, diligence, enthusiasm, resilience and have the integrity to uphold fundamental British Values, every day.

Purpose

The Arete Partnership provides an environment and structure within which affiliated schools can better achieve their common aim to provide every child with a thorough preparation for life and maximise staff development. Emerging evidence suggests that it is networks and an evidence-led profession that are creating the kinds of environments in which schools can respond to the challenge in education and wider society and develop healthier communities for all.

 

For this reason the partnership seeks not to be an exclusive arrangement between schools but to bring together secondary and primary schools, higher education institutions and local businesses under the common principles of innovation, sustainability and cooperation on areas of mutual interest. Affiliations already established by partner schools will continue and only strengthen the activities and impact of the partnership. The partnership is not hierarchical, has no legally binding structure and is designed to facilitate the meeting of equals on areas of mutual interest through a Memorandum of Understanding. The strength of the partnership is in its equality and the attraction of engaging in ideas and activities that, through collaboration, are more richly delivered to the benefit of more young people, leading to better life chances for all.

 

Student Events

The Arete Partnership is dedicated to enriching and enhancing opportunities for students across all partner schools. Our annual events calendar offers a diverse and exciting range of activities for students to engage in, ensuring a well-rounded and fulfilling experience. Student events are varied and wide-ranging and are conveniently organised into three calendar dates each Academic year. Additionally, our commitment to career development is evident through a variety of events such as guest speakers, university visits, employment fairs, and workshops that are regularly held throughout the year.​