What is culture
School Culture

There are various aspects to consider when developing a positive school culture. Deal and Peterson (1999, 2002) extensively researched this field and identified four key elements that promote and foster a positive culture:
1) vision and values
2) rituals and ceremonies
3) history and stories
4) architecture, artefacts, and symbols
A school’s vision and values are identified through its mission and purpose; the heart and soul of a school’s culture (Deal & Peterson, 1999, 2002; MacNeil, 2005).
In the 2010 inspection HMIE noted that "St Andrew's and St Bride's High School has a clear and confident sense of direction, based on its strong Catholic ethos, inclusive values, well established climate of achievement and culture of continuous improvement."
Although the "Charter for Catholic Schools in Scotland" mission statement hangs prominently outside the Head Teachers office the true mission and purpose of our school is revealed through the actions, motivations, attitudes, and daily behaviour of the staff, pupils and parents.
Rituals and ceremonies make up the second element of Deal and Peterson’s
(1999; 2002) creation of a positive school culture. Whereas vision and values lay the groundwork in the establishment of a school’s shared mission and purpose, rituals and ceremonies are designed to afford school member’s time to “keep us connected, foster renewal, and provide opportunities to bond with others” while also using traditions to
“mark the passage of time, honour the accomplishment of valued goals, and celebrate new hopes and dreams” (Deal & Peterson, 2002, p. 29). Creating traditions adds to the history and unique character of a school, and by celebrating success and achievement throughout the school year with ceremonies, schools are enabled to further communicate the essence of culture.