The ARRK Diploma: Parent Information Page

Welcome to the William de Ferrers School ARRK Diploma information page. Our school motto is Aspire, Persevere, Achieve, and the ARRK Diploma is a key part of how we help our students live out these values every day.

What your child does today will impact their tomorrow. The ARRK Diploma is designed to highlight the valuable skills our students demonstrate outside of the classroom. Our goal is to ensure your child’s education doesn't limit what they can achieve, but instead opens doors and gets them thinking about exciting future paths and careers they might not have considered before.

Why is the ARRK Diploma Important?

As your child moves through school, they will build a personal portfolio of experiences. This portfolio will be incredibly beneficial in providing evidence of their character and skills when they apply for:

• Sixth Form

• Apprenticeship schemes

• University applications

• Full-time employment

The Core ARRK Values

The diploma is built around four central pillars. Students are encouraged to recognize and demonstrate these characteristics in their daily lives:

• Aspiration: Being ambitious, resilient, hardworking, optimistic, and courageous.

• Respect: Caring for the environment, taking care of oneself, being polite with good manners, valuing the views of others, and celebrating differences.

• Responsibility: Taking ownership of actions, being trustworthy, leading by example, always being ready to learn, and learning from mistakes.

• Kindness: Showing empathy, caring for others, being patient, grateful, and helpful.

How It Works: The Challenge Matrix

To earn a diploma level, students must successfully complete a specific number of challenges depending on their Key Stage:

Key Stage	Bronze Level	Silver Level	Gold Level
KS3	3 Challenges	5 Challenges	10 Challenges
KS4	3 Challenges	5 Challenges	10 Challenges
KS5	3 Challenges	5 Challenges	8 Challenges

 

Flexibility for Students: We provide a comprehensive list of example ideas via our ARRK Diploma Challenges spreadsheet. However, this list is not exhaustive. Your child is welcome to upload an alternative challenge of their own choice, provided they can clearly link it back to the core ARRK values. The list of examples can be found here

How to Submit a Challenge

Once a student finishes a challenge, they must log it themselves to count toward their diploma.

1. Upload Evidence: Students must submit their evidence through the designated school Google Form link: Link.

2. Provide a Detailed Evaluation: To be accepted, the student must write a detailed evaluation explaining how the challenge aided their personal growth and how it directly relates to the ARRK values. Please note: This evaluation is a mandatory requirement for the challenge to count.

3. Confirmation: Once approved, your child will receive an email confirming it has been added to their diploma progress.

Celebrating Achievement & Awards

We believe in recognising the hard work and dedication our students put into their personal growth:

• Bronze Award: Pupils receive a formal certificate of recognition detailing all the challenges they have completed.

• Silver Award: Pupils receive their certificate of recognition plus a school logo pen.

• Gold Award: Pupils receive their certificate of recognition plus an exclusive ARRK Diploma badge to wear proudly on their uniform.