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Quaker Values
What do the Quaker values of the school mean to you?
I think every aspect of school life is based on the premise of 'that of God in everyone'. At the same time the Quaker antipathy towards anything that could be interpreted as indoctrination means that whilst this premise is the life blood of the school, it is never paraded or forced on anybody: it is simply lived.
A parent (Year 8)
Tolerance, respect for individuals' feelings and property; that all pupils are individuals and that they should be treated according to their own merits and weaknesses; that one should have a great belief in one's inner self.
Karen Gracie-Langrick, Assistant Director of Sixth Form & Head of History
Openness and tolerance, hearing different points of view and accepting rather than judging, being honest and truthful.
A parent (Year 9)
Since joining LP I have come to respect and value the Quaker values that form the foundation of the school. Having half an hour silence on a Thursday is something that I have come to appreciate and almost look forward to: it's a lot better than singing hymns!
A pupil (Year 11)
The Quaker values of the school mean friendship, warmth and security to me - there's always someone to talk to if the whole world's at your neck for whatever reason.
A pupil (Year 11)
That people are valued as individuals - respected and given room to grow.
A parent
A strong emphasis on ethics and tolerance towards all however different they or their culture may be.
A parent (Year 10)
I am so impressed by the respect for everyone.
A parent (Year 7)
That children can be respected for being their own person and do not have to fit a mould. That children are taught to respect others.
A parent (Year 9)
Thinking about how you lead your life. The Quaker values mean that pupils have space in which to grow: they have structured guidance without rigid instruction. Seeing the positive in each person; a commitment to helping others; resisting the use of force and violence - language included - in our dealings with others.
Nigel Williams, Director of Studies
The Quaker values to me mean that there is a calm and trustworthy feeling to the people at LP.
A pupil (Year 9)
Having a silence during the day is relaxing and lets you sort things out in your head. The bonds between students and teachers are stronger and this helps everyone feel more at home.
A pupil (Year 10)
The Quaker values of this school, quite simply separate it from all others. You will feel its calming presence when you arrive, I promise.
A pupil (Year 10)
Tolerance, kindness and appreciation of others; learning to be yourself in a community.
Jakki Marr, Deputy Housemistress & Head of Girls' Games
The silences at the beginning and end of Collect and on a Thursday are beneficial to clear your head and reflect on the day ahead. You appreciate them more after you have left!
An Old Leightonian
It gives people a sense of inner calm and helps students to become more independent. Also, Meeting for Worship is a very good opportunity to reflect on things: it gives you time to reorganise your life.
An Old Leightonian
Although I am not a Quaker myself, I value the ethos and the resulting atmosphere - friendly and calm. The effect of the Meeting for Worship should not be underestimated: the opportunity to sit in reflective silence has been wonderful for me and is a great 'skill' for students to 'learn'. On occasion there is a palpable warmth of feeling that envelopes the whole community and draws everyone closer together which can only have a beneficial effect.
Chris Routh, Librarian & Tutor
Encouragement to grow and develop; an understanding that we are just one of many that make up a community; that tolerance is of the utmost importance.
Graham Smith, Housemaster