Spiritual
- The school has a supportive ethos where pupils can be individuals, develop respect for others and be respected themselves.
- We offer pupils the opportunity to develop a sense of purpose based on agreed Christian Values.
- Pupils are encouraged to be reflective during collective worship and in R.E and PSHE lessons.
- The school follows the Durham Agreed syllabus for R.E and this is supported by other curriculum areas.
- Celebration assembly enables pupils to share and celebrate their and other pupil’s, successes and achievements. Celebrating talents allows pupils to develop a sense of self.
- Pupils take part in prayer and are helped to reflect on how biblical messages are relevant to their lives today.
- Pupils visit special places e.g. Ferryhill Methodist Church and St Luke’s Church to join in with special services at Harvest, Christmas and Easter.
- We have a rich and varied curriculum and seek to develop creative and imaginative responses to art and music.
- Year 6 pupils attend a special leavers’ service at Durham Cathedral at the end of their time at our school.
Moral
- A clear moral code provides the basis for behaviour and this is promoted consistently through all aspects of school life.
- Policies and curriculum planning provide opportunities for children to explore questions of right and wrong and explore moral codes.
- Pupils and staff discuss the outcomes and consequences of actions.
- Pupils regularly raise funds for charities and develop an understanding of events in our country and around the world through assemblies and Curriculum for Life lessons.
- Pupils feel comfortable to express their views and show good sportsmanship.
- Children participate in community projects such as through the Go-Givers project and campaigns with Approach Too.
- School rules, rewards and sanctions are clearly defined and understood.
- Staff and older children act as role models during everyday life.
- We teach the difference between right and wrong and adults consistently model, through the quality of relationships in school, fairness, integrity, justice, respect and conflict resolution.
- Codes of conduct are used for internet safety and anti-bullying and these are shared with parents.
Social
- We foster a sense of community and our pupils are tolerant and respectful of difference. We promote equality.
- We take opportunities to help those less fortunate than ourselves. Among others, we support Children in Need, Sports Relief and the Ferryhill Foodbank.
- We develop our pupils’ leadership skills and give them opportunities to exercise responsibility: for example through the School Council, School Sports Organising Crew (SSOC), Fairtrade group, Mini Police and the community ambassadors.
- SSOC – several children from KS2 are part of our Sports Crew and they are involved with playground leadership as well as planning, organising, officiating and reporting on sporting events.
- School Council – meet regularly to look at ways to improve our school.
- Mini Police – children act as role models for younger children and support staff on playtime and lunchtime duty.
- Fairtrade group – children strive to raise awareness of the importance of Fairtrade and work towards Fairtrade awards
- Community Ambassadors – a group who work on community projects including links with our local MP.
- A range of afterschool clubs are offered and are usually oversubscribed.
- Residential trips are offered in KS2 to promote positive experiences that are different to pupils’ everyday life.
- Pupils join with other pupils from local schools to participate in sports contests and collaborate in teams to compete against other children within our school.
Cultural
- Our house teams allow pupils the opportunity to explore their own cultural assumptions and values.
- We recognise and nurture pupils’ particular gifts and talents. All are encouraged to be the best that they can be.
- We provide opportunities for pupils to participate in literature, drama, music, art, crafts and other cultural events and encourage pupils to reflect on their significance.
- Our partnership with the Royal Shakespeare Company (as an RSC Associate School) allows pupils in upper KS2 to learn about Shakespeare’s plays and perform at a local theatre as well as a trip to Stratford-Upon-Avon for a small number of children.
- We develop partnerships with outside agencies and individuals to extend pupils’ cultural awareness, for example visits to the theatre, museums, and meeting artists.
- We reinforce the school’s cultural values through displays, posters, exhibitions etc.
- We take part in activities related to important cultural events from a range of cultures, such as Chinese New Year, Hanukkah and Diwali.
- We have achieved the International Schools Award through projects linked to partner schools in Sri Lanka and Kenya.
- There are opportunities for children to take part in performances and productions in school.
March 2022 – KS2 Mini PACT Meeting
Children from years 3-6 took part in a Mini PACT meeting to discuss their concerns about the local area as well as celebrating the positive aspects of Ferryhill.
March 2022 – Y5/6 Fire Safety Talk
Children from Y5 and Y6 had a fire safety talk with a focus on arson as there have been a number of recent issues with this in the local area. The children listened very well and asked some interesting questions.
