Introducing our new 'VAA' characters!

High Performance Learning (HPL) identifies key characteristics and attributes that prepare young people to succeed in learning and in life, and categorises these into Advanced Cognitive Performance characteristics (ACPs) and Values, Attitudes, Attributes (VAAs).

At our Junior School this term we have been discussing the HPL Values, Attitudes and Attributes (VAAs) with the girls. The 3 VAAs come under the headings: Empathetic, Agile and Hard-working. 

We already have animal characters for our Advanced Cognitive Performance characteristics (ACPs): Esmerelda the Elephant; Astrid the Ant; Octavia the Owl; Maisy the Monkey and Sylvie the Swan. These characters were created by the girls following a competition to draw and design them.

Having launched a similar competition to create superheroes for the VAAs, an illustrator has brought the winning designs to life! Hard-working Holly embodies perseverance and resilience – she doesn’t give up when things get tough! Empathetic Emma thinks about others and works well as part of a team – she is collaborative and concerned for society. Finally there is Agile Amy, who is confident, enquiring, creative and enterprising, open-minded and a risk-taker!

We are excited to take our High Performance teaching and learning to the next level with these new characters, especially as we have recently been accredited as a World Class High Performance Learning School.

Learn more about HPL at St Mary’s