At The Hathershaw College, we celebrate diversity. We recognise that we are all part of one country and one community but that we are all unique. We educate our young people about protected characteristics and the importance of accepting people for who and what they are.
This work is underpinned by celebrating British values, actively promoting democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance. As well as these values being woven through our curriculum, all students receive citizenship and RE lessons, as well as benefiting from a comprehensive assembly programme. As well as supporting our culture of belonging, home period in the morning also provides a vehicle for discussion about current affairs and to consider the views of others.
The list simply provides some examples of our commitment to British Values and SMSC and is not meant to be exhaustive.
- The school has always had an inclusive culture, but we are now extremely proud of how this has been extended to further fostering a sense of belonging for students so that they feel part of something, see school as their ‘safe haven’ and want to attend on a regular basis. The impact of this work has been showcased by Oldham Council.
- The is a culture of regarding children with success being celebrated in every aspect of school life including academic, vocational, sporting, community and enrichment achievements.
- To enhance social mobility, we have introduced a ‘virtual wallet’ to help parents and carers pay for educational visits, which contribute to the further development of cultural capital.
- Overseas trips take place, including to French from a languages perspective, but also to provide a historic dimension by visiting the battlefields of World War I and World War II.
- Our 3R’s ‘Responsible, Respectful and Ready to Learn’ underpin everything we aspire our students to be; both in and and out of the school environment.
- All students at both key stages study RE in line with locally agreed syllabus.
- All students at both key stages study citizenship.
- Provision is enhanced in English through a range of author visits.
- A well developed assembly programme addresses key themes and weeks. The programme is devised by the DSL to ensure that key safeguarding themes are also addressed.
- A range of theatre productions are organised by the DSL dealing with sensitive topics around extremism, drug misuse, criminal justice and bereavement.
- The ‘Keeping Our Girls Safe’ group continues to flourish offering support to a range of students at times of need.
- We celebrate the festivals of every religion represented at Hathershaw.
- We celebrate different cultures through thematic approaches to the lunch menu at specific times of the year.
- We have a vibrant school council where democracy plays a part in determining who represents the students.
- Senior ambassadors have replaced ‘head boy’ and ‘head girl’ to highlight that it is who you are and what you do that matters and not the gender you identify as.
- Our Hathershaw Acts of Charity and Kindness (HACK) programme raises money for charity and is responsive to need and the influence of the school council.
- Local community events which include supporting our elderly neighbours in sheltered accommodation.
In conclusion, we believe that we allow our students to recognise right from wrong, resolve conflicts, understand and explore diversity, develop a moral code, understand others’ beliefs and understand how communities function. These qualities will allow them to participate fully in life in Modern Britain.