Posted on: 14/01/2025
Posted on: 20/01/2025
The Cressex Cooperative Learning Model Gains National Recognition - Lee Phillips (National Director for Coop Schools)
Cressex Community School in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, stands as a beacon of cooperative education, serving a diverse community of learners, while emphasising belonging and success for all. Since becoming a Cooperative School in April 2010, Cressex has built robust partnerships and gained both local and national recognition for its excellent practices and exceptional student progress.
In a conversation with Deputy Headteacher Shazeen Saddique, it became clear that while the school has achieved remarkable success in enabling high achievement, both staff and learners remain committed to continuous improvement. This year's focus emphasises students' abilities to plan, monitor, and evaluate their learning through the lens of Cooperative Values.
To implement this vision, the school has developed a comprehensive framework that translates cooperative values into practical learning behaviours.
For the value of self-help, students are encouraged to rely on their own skills and knowledge for progress. A Cressex learner embracing self-help believes in their ability to achieve, actively reflects on their learning, sets targets, and demonstrates resilience. This is exemplified through setting and managing personal goals, exploring different problem-solving approaches, and making connections across their learning.
Self-responsibility focuses on accountability in achieving one's potential. Students demonstrate this through persistence, adaptability in tasks, and independent work habits. They learn to organize their time effectively and accurately self-assess their progress.
The value of democracy is realized through effective collaboration for both individual and collective progress. Cressex learners actively listen, incorporate others' ideas, and contribute effectively to discussions. This is evident when students ask questions, share ideas, and participate in collaborative learning environments.
Equality and equity work hand in hand in the Cressex model. While equality focuses on securing equal rights to learn and achieve full potential, equity emphasizes appreciating and respecting individual differences. Students practise these values by ensuring everyone has a voice, appreciating diverse learning experiences, and following classroom rules that support collective learning. They demonstrate equity through acts of kindness, honesty, and integrity, while valuing different opinions and supporting peers who face challenges.
The framework culminates in solidarity, where students work together to support an outstanding learning environment. This is demonstrated through celebrating high achievement, understanding shared learning responsibilities, and following instructions that safeguard collective learning. Students actively motivate others to excel and are influenced by positive role models within the school community.
This innovative approach to embedding cooperative values has proven particularly valuable in building community cohesion, especially during times when diverse cities and towns have experienced tensions. The school's motto, "High Achievement for All is our Shared Responsibility" is a living principle evident in daily school life.
Cressex Community School exemplifies how cooperative schools and Trusts can serve as anchor institutions that build social value and potential. Their success demonstrates that fostering belonging and achieving academic excellence are not mutually exclusive goals but rather complementary aspects of a thriving educational community.
For more information about Cressex Community School's innovative work, interested parties can contact Shazeen Saddique directly.
