Spiritual, Moral, Social & Cultural Development
At Wilson's, we take a very proactive approach to supporting the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of students. Through many aspects of school life we take the opportunity to promote the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs. This is evident in the rich PSHE programmes at all Key Stages as well as in the teaching of other subjects in the curriculum.
- We promote teaching styles which value pupils’ questions and give them time to think for themselves. Teamwork and collaboration is a feature of the vast majority of lessons.
- The Code of Conduct makes very explicit what is expected of students at the school; teachers are role models of the values desired in pupils.
- Thoughtfulness, honesty, kindness and respect for difference are strong features of the school’s ethos. The school strongly tackles racism, homophobia and other forms of bullying. Students with SEN and disabilities thrive at the school and achieve very well. Discrimination is addressed head-on in assemblies.
- There are rich opportunities for spiritual development through the activities that take place beyond the classroom; students are given many opportunities to develop leadership skills and self-reliance.
- The qualities of service, effort and creative risk-taking are enthusiastically celebrated in a range of ways.
- Individual endeavour and achievement is very visibly celebrated.
- The PSHE curriculum at each key stage explores moral concepts and values (justice, personal rights and responsibilities).
- Pupils at the school are listened to. They are encouraged to bring concerns to their tutors or other staff, to raise issues via their representative at Student Board. All senior staff are involved with small groups interviews with Year 8 and Year 11 students.
- There is an effective WRL programme and strong links with the world of work (including interview practice).
Assemblies delivered to year groups and to the whole school:
- Enable students to develop their self-knowledge, self-esteem and self-confidence;
- Enable students to distinguish right from wrong and to respect the civil and criminal law of England;
- Encourage students to accept responsibility for their behaviour, show initiative and understand how they can contribute positively to the lives of those living and working in the locality in which the school is situated and to society more widely;
- Enable students to acquire a broad general knowledge of and respect for public institutions and services in England;
- Bring about further tolerance and harmony between different cultural traditions by enabling students to acquire an appreciation of and respect for their own and other cultures
- Encourage respect for other people, paying particular regard to the protected characteristics set out in the Equality Act 2010; and
- Encourage respect for democracy and support for participation in the democratic processes, including respect for the basis on which the law is made and applied in England.
The promotion of partisan political views is precluded; where political issues are raised, students are offered a balanced presentation of opposing views.