Our school motto is: Proba Tene (hold fast).
'Hold fast' is a nautical term that has its origins from the Dutch 'houd vast' (hold tight) referring to the importance of securely gripping a ship’s rigging. The term encompasses perseverance and triumph over adversity. Throughout history, sailors have tattooed these eight letters onto their knuckles to remind them that they are strong enough to get through any storm if they hold fast both physically and mentally.
At Newquay Primary Academy, we embrace Proba Tene as a guiding vision that connects us with our partner school, Newquay Tretherras, and with the enduring values of Cornwall Education Learning Trust. Though the world and its challenges continue to evolve, this timeless motto reminds us to remain steadfast in purpose, courageous in spirit and true to our principles.
To hold fast is to face life’s storms with resilience and unity. Like sailors securing a hand to the ship, we support one another, knowing that strength comes from teamwork, care and shared responsibility. Each member of our community has a vital role in ensuring that we all make it safely through whatever challenges arise.
To hold fast is also to stay true to what we believe, to think with integrity, act with kindness and stand firm in our values even when tested. We encourage our learners to listen to their inner voice, to be brave in their convictions, and to take pride in being their authentic selves.
Together, we hold fast to learning, to one another, and to the belief that every child can navigate their own course with confidence, curiosity and courage.
Our school values are firmly linked to our school motto and help to give our school and our learners a strong sense of identity.
INTEGRITY: Hold fast to what you know is right
Newquay Primary Academy learners are given a strong moral compass. They understand right from wrong and have the strength and confidence to follow their moral and ethical convictions. They do the right thing, even when no one is there to watch or listen. They listen to their inner voice and do what is right. They stand their ground and ride the storm out when the voice of others telling them to do the wrong thing is loud and persuasive.
RESPECT: Hold fast to your own uniqueness and value differences in others
Newquay Primary Academy learners know that we are all created equal, but unique. They acknowledge and value differences in cultures, strengths, abilities and learning styles. They understand that lack of confidence and self-belief stems from the idea that we need to be something more to be who we are. They believe that the capacity, energy and power to be and do everything we want is already in each of us. As they face the storm, they hold fast to who they are, celebrate their own wonderful individuality and respect the right of others to do the same.
RESILIENCE: Hold fast and don’t be afraid to fail
Newquay Primary Academy learners know that life is full of adversity and challenge. They also know that learning from failure is what leads to innovation and eventual success. A growth mindset enables them to thrive – academically and personally. It brings perspective and enables them to bounce forward in life. When the seas of life get stormy, no matter how strong the storm, they know that this too shall pass, they hold fast to what is right and keep going with grit and determination.
EMPATHY: Hold fast and work with your crew
Newquay Primary Academy learners connect with each other and understand and share in our humanity. They allow each other to be truly heard and listened to. They always look for the best in others. They are able to “walk in someone else’s shoes” and they don’t pass judgements or make assumptions. They always act and behave with compassion. When the storm comes, they do what they need to do to help their crewmates because they know that putting your team before yourself is the ability that makes us truly human.
REFLECTION: Hold fast and then reflect on your journey
Newquay Primary Academy learners know that self-reflection brings learning to life. Reflective practice helps them find relevancy and meaning in their lessons and make connections between their learning experiences and real-life situations. This helps them to achieve in school. When the storm has passed, they consciously think about their experiences, actions, feelings, and responses, and then ask themselves questions about what they did, how they did it, what they learnt from doing it – and how they could do it better next time.