We value the opinions of all students through a strong vertical tutoring system.
Promotion of student opinions through the Junior Leadership Team with students making a formal application for the role and being interview by SLT and Governor representation.
Year 11 students are given the opportunity to put themselves forward to be elected to the Youth Parliament and if successful will visit the House of Commons.
Year 10 History students are given the opportunity to visit the Houses of Parliament for a tour and talk with our local MP.
Parental / carer opinions are sought at whole school events through the use of online questionnaires.
Across the curriculum students are given opportunities to discuss and debate and to a certain extent, students are given choices to ensure their participation and engagement.
Democracy is delivered as a concept and theme throughout the curriculum for example:
ICT: Freedom of speech and restriction on the internet
History: The Magna Carta and Conflict through parliament
Citizenship: Political parties and Police Commissioner elections
Science: Ethics and transplant
Media: Freedom of the press
RE: Religion and authority
PE: The impact of democracy through political pressure on sport, e.g. the boycott of the Olympics
English: Analysis of politician’s speeches
The rule of law
We have clear behaviour and praise policies. Within lessons, expectations, standards and consequences are made explicit at the start of each year and are highlighted throughout each term.
We endeavour to reward persistently positive behaviour and students who continually excel in their lessons.
Across the curriculum and with particular regard in practical subjects, the well-being and safety of students is of paramount importance.
Students have the opportunity to earn vivos for effort, commitment to extra-curricular opportunities and attainment.
The notion of “positive sportsmanship” is a strong theme throughout PE and extra-curricular activities
The rule of law is delivered an as a concept and theme throughout the curriculum for example:
English: The themes of law, honour and gangs are explored through the novel A View from a Bridge
Science: Effects of drugs, consent for sex and marriage within a unit on reproduction
Media Studies: The laws surrounding copyright and its relevance in society
History: Modern slavery and human rights in the eyes of the law
PE: Rules in games and activities, including doping and legislation surrounding bribery.
Individual liberty
Our assembly programme and vertical tutoring structure re-enforce and shape school rules and policies.
Students are instrumental in agreeing and setting agreed codes of practice to ensure support and respect of all peers.
Our teachers, Heads of College and Leadership Team all work together in ensuring that students understand rules and responsibilities and the consequences if these are broken.
We have a close relationship with the Police Community Support Officers who regularly visit school.
Students are encouraged to show initiative and to understand how they can contribute positively within the classroom.
All students are given the opportunity to make some of their own choices and are allowed to adapt to their own preferences, for example by following a vegetarian diet.
A strong anti-bullying policy where incidents, although rare and often minor, are recorded and dealt with by an appropriate member of staff.
Anti-bullying competition run through tutor groups.
Online safety awareness given to all pupils.
Individual Liberty is delivered an as a concept and theme throughout the curriculum for example:
English Literature: Study of the novel A boy in the stripped pyjamas
History: The Civil Rights Movement
PE: Attendance at training and matches as p
art of their commitment to the team. Pupils in KS4 can also devise their own practical PE lessons where possible
Science: Genetics and the Human Genome Project
RE: Human Rights
Art: Students have the opportunity to work independently and as part of a team to build self-esteem and resilience
Mutual respect
There is culture of respect across the school. Students have the ability to challenge and question in a safe environment. Praise and recognition of effort is made explicit.
Autism awareness month is celebrated across the school.
Diversity week is celebrated in line with the ‘just like us’ event.
Events of national significance, such as Remembrance Day, are remembered through whole school assemblies.
Across the curriculum speaking and listening with respect is a classroom expectation.
Peer assessment is widely used across the curriculum to highlight points of praise and areas to develop. This is encouraged through a mature and sensitive approach.
Challenge of stereotypes is evident throughout the curriculum.
Mutual respect is delivered an as a concept and theme throughout the curriculum for example:
Art: Artists’ work from different cultures is studied creating discussion about what we think and what others may think.
English: Spoken language presentations are viewed and critically respected by peers
ICT: Use of an art gallery to review completed work and to praise those who have done well
History: International diplomacy
Citizenship: The nature of families and relationships
PE: Students officiate their own games and ensure there is an unbiased approach
Media Studies: Freedom of the press and debate of issues such as the watershed and censorship
RE: Respect for individual and collective culture through the study of major world religions
Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs
Unacceptable behaviour is dealt with instantly and discussed with students so that reflection can take place. Tolerance is promoted through the discussion of different people’s ideas.
Global Dimension Day is celebrated throughout the school every year.
Tolerance is delivered an as a concept and theme throughout the curriculum for example:
PE: Games from other cultures e.g. Kabbadi as well as disability sports such as goalball.
MFL: Films are watched in French
RE: Different faiths are widely studied, for example the creation story in the Sikh faith.
English: Travel writing involves different cultures and faiths in addition to a KS4 unit on Poetry from other cultures
History: The Holocaust and anti-Semitism
Catering: International cuisine is investigated and cooked in addition to dietary laws
Maths: Mental maths activities linked to themes from religious festivals
MFL: Studies of Francophone countries
Science: Variation and ethics of transplants
Media Studies: Stereotypes and how the media uses common conceptions
Art: Creative responses and understanding of different cultures and styles within art.
