Community at Eastbury - Developing Good Citizens
The Ethos and Values of Eastbury School
The Ethos and Values of
Eastbury School
We want our students to be able to play a
full part in society in a period of
unprecedented change. We are committed
to providing an excellent all round education
leading to the highest possible standard of
qualifications. We recognise that academic
qualifications need to be supplemented with
the development of self-confidence and
courage, the readiness to learn new skills
and the ability to accept new challenges. To
this end we encourage our students to
develop self-discipline, independence and
responsibility for their own actions and
learning; and the ability to think,
communicate and make decisions for
themselves.
Eastbury is a comprehensive school in which
we value all students, irrespective of race,
sex, religion, social class, or previous
achievement. Fundamental to the school’s
ethos is a respect for and an interest in other
people, their beliefs, values and welfare. The
education we provide at Eastbury School
reflects the diversity of our society. We are
proud of our school community, in which all
members have a right to be treated and
valued equally.
We expect our students to accept a system
of values that emphasises respect for others
and care for the community and
environment. We take this very seriously and
will not tolerate any unkind, intimidating or
violent behaviour. All our students are
entitled to learn in a safe and positive
environment.
Personal and Social Education
The school’s Personal and Social Education
programme includes study skills, careers
guidance and religious education. It also
draws together aspects of health, citizenship
and thinking skills which are studied in
subjects across the curriculum.
A team of specialist teachers delivers the
PSE course and visiting speakers from the
local community play a prominent part.
Sex Education
Sex Education is provided for all students,
except those withdrawn by parental request.
The full programme has been developed
within the school’s overall commitment to
equal opportunities and we aim to be
sensitive to individuals and respect the
variety of family life, cultural and religious
backgrounds within the school.
The aims of the programme include
providing factual information, counteracting
misleading myths, clarifying values and
attitudes, encouraging the development of
personal skills in decision making and
problem solving, and challenging prejudice.
Full details about sex education may be
obtained from the school.
Religious Education
Students are taught RE in 1 hour lessons in
Key Stage 3 and as part of PSE in Key
Stage 4. Students may opt to study RE as a
GCSE option in Key Stage 4.
The broad aim is to develop in students an
understanding of Christianity and other major
faith traditions. The school follows an agreed
syllabus drawn up with local advisors,
inspectors and leaders of the different faiths
in the community.
Detailed information on Religious Education
and Corporate Acts of Worship is available
on request. Parents are entitled to withdraw
their child, and those who wish to do so are
asked to liase with the Year Curriculum Coordinator
so that alternative arrangements
can be made.
Spiritual & Moral Development
We recognise the importance of the spiritual
and moral development of our students, and
actively seek to promote this in partnership
with students’ homes and families. The
themes and issues raised in our Religious
Education and Personal & Social Education
lessons and weekly assemblies are amplified
throughout the curriculum. Students are
encouraged to address issues, discuss
values, to think creatively and critically, to
reflect upon their own experience and that of
others, and to make responsible and
properly informed decisions in all their
lessons.
All teachers encourage students to reflect
upon their own attitudes and behaviour,
both inside school and beyond it.
Our intention is to maintain a balance
between advocating students’
adherence to the values
adopted by society and the
school and empowering
students to develop their own systems of beliefs and values.
Careers Guidance
Careers Guidance plays a
major part in the Year 9 tutorial
programme and continues in
Years 10 & 11. There are general
talks by visitors at Year Assemblies
and more detailed advice is given as
appropriate to individual students at a
personal interview with the teacher in
charge of careers and an officer
from the local Careers Service. Visits
to a variety of commercial, industrial and
professional concerns are organised on a
regular basis and students are encouraged
to make use of the school’s Careers Library.
The school enjoys a close working
relationship with the local Careers Service.
Work Experience
Work Experience is an important and much
enjoyed part of the Year 10 curriculum when
students go out on a local work placement
for two weeks. The preparation and follow
up for this provides a rounded
understanding about the qualifications and
skills needed in the workplace and the
flexibility and willingness to carry on learning
that will be increasingly needed in the future.
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