Education with Character

Curriculum & PSHCE

Across the school each department includes Character lessons into their Schemes of Work. This ensures that students will be visiting different values across all subject areas. Character is prominent in every department curriculum intent and the whole school curriculum intent. Our PSHCE tutorial programme teaches students the knowledge, skills and character values needed to equip them to deal with the challenges in life. The learning opportunities cover the  core themes of;

• Health and Wellbeing
• Relationships
• Living in the Wider World

PSHE lessons are delivered once a week alongside a whole school weekly assembly programme. Topics and themes are consistent across all year groups with opportunities for student leadership and teamwork.

Rewards

Rewards points​ are awarded for positive contributions to school life, performance, punctuality, attendance and attitude to learning. Certificates​, badges and reward visits are awarded in recognition throughout the year.

Our House System

Reading for pleasure

Across the year, we set aside time dedicated to reading for pleasure, including: 

• Tutor Group Reading 
• Year 7 and 8 Library Lessons.
• Sixth Form Reading Group
• Staff Reading Group
• DEAR (Drop Everything And Read)

Wider community responsibilities & civic values

Within the school curriculum, one of the key areas is active participation. The curriculum requires that young people are provided with opportunities to participate in school and society. The school is forging international, national and local connections with external organisations and establishments in business, industry and educational establishments and recognise the opportunities these present for students to develop their character. School councils are an excellent way in which to increase participation, teaching young people about democracy, local and global citizenship and accountability.

The Don McMath Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation whose mission is to provide free education to some of the most disadvantaged children in The Gambia. As part of our PRIDE character education programme our school community  raises money every year to support the foundation. https://www.donmcmath.org/

Student Leadership

It is important that students  learn to become excellent role models as community leaders and to respect the views of their peers. We have numerous leadership opportunities for students across all key stages which range from ambassadorial roles and sports and performance leaders to becoming school councillors or taking part in the Duke of Edinburgh Awards. Students are expected to fulfil at least one whole school leadership role.

Outdoor education

Throughout the year we offer a range of educational opportunities for students to learn outside the classroom. Examples include clubs and trips and visits which have a focus on developing the character of students. These range from a debating club which will see students focus on being respectful of each other’s opinions to joining the football team and displaying resilience and teamwork. We ensure that barriers to participation are minimised and all students have equal access. We are also extremely fortunate to have our very own outdoor education centre in the Lake District. Read more about Briathwaite here.

• Students also have access to elite sports coaching through our basketball programme

The Jack Petchey Achievement Award Scheme recognises outstanding young people aged 11-25 across London and Essex. Award winners are young people who have gone above and beyond to achieve – perhaps when others thought they might fail.

The Achievement Awards are not solely for academic achievement – they may be used to recognise a personal triumph for someone who has faced a challenge, a young person who has pushed themselves outside of their comfort zone or it may be an opportunity to recognise the outstanding efforts of a team player.

A young person is nominated by their peers for the awards for their hard work and efforts.