Diversity & Inclusion

‘Curious, Kind, Connected’

Diversity and Inclusion

Treloweth School prides itself on creating an inclusive and welcoming school community that aims to prepare pupils for a diverse world. A key component of this, is for all of us to continue to grow and learn. We believe this will lead to a truly fair and supportive society for all.

We deliver this through PSHE lessons, assemblies, celebrations and participation in local and national events eg Black History Month and St. Piran’s Day.

Below is a brief outline of some of the work the school has undertaken and useful resources to continue the discussion at home.

British Values

Upon leaving Treloweth School, pupils will understand their responsibilities as citizens of democratic societies and have an awareness of how they can maintain the underpinning core British values whilst maintaining an awareness and respect for the culturally diverse society in which they live.

At Treloweth School we promote British Values in the following ways:

Democracy

Children, parents and staff have many opportunities for their voices to be heard at Treloweth School through the appointment of the School Council, Class Dojo, the pupil and parent questionnaires and parent meetings. Democracy is central to how we operate.

The election of the School Council members reflects our British electoral system and demonstrates democracy in action: candidates make speeches, pupils consider characteristics important for an elected representative, pupils vote in secret using ballot boxes etc. Made up of two representatives from each class; they meet regularly to discuss issues raised b different classes or other members of the school community. They are also instrumental in changing the quality and selection of school meals.

The council has its own budget and is able to effect change within the school.

Other examples of ‘pupil voice’ include:

children are asked to respond and reflect on the school and their learning through an annual questionnaire. Children also make suggestions for the School Council to consider.
pupils are always listened to by adults and are taught to listen carefully and with concern to each other, respecting the right of every individual to have their opinions and voices heard. We encourage pupils to take ownership of, not only their school, but also of their own learning and progress. This encourages a heightened sense of both personal and social responsibility and is demonstrated on a daily basis by our pupils.
parents’ opinions are welcomed at Treloweth School through methods such as questionnaires, and surveys at parents’ evenings. We actively encourage parents to come into school to discuss any questions that they might have through our open-door policy.

Rules and Laws

The importance of rules and laws, whether they are those that govern our school or our country, are referred to and reinforced often, such as in assemblies and when reflecting on behaviour choices. At the start of the school year, each class discusses the school and ICT rules and class routines, principles that are clearly understood by all and seen to be necessary to ensure that every class member is able to learn in a safe and ordered environment.

Pupils are taught the value of and reasons behind laws, that they govern and protect us, the responsibilities that these bring, and the consequences when laws are broken. These values are reinforced in different ways:

visits from our local partners such as the police and fire service
during Religious Education, when rules for particular faiths are thought about
during other school subjects, where there is respect and appreciation for different rules

Individual Liberty

Alongside rules and laws, we promote freedom of choice and the right to respectfully express views and beliefs. Through the provision of a safe, supportive environment, we provide boundaries for our pupils to make choices safely, for example:

making safe choices when participating in extra-curricular activities
pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are taught how to exercise these safely, there are often part of our PSHE lessons
mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.

Treloweth School serves an area which is culturally diverse, and we are proud to promote and celebrate our different backgrounds and beliefs. Tolerance, politeness and mutual respect are at the heart of our aims and ethos.

Our pupils know and understand that it is expected that respect is shown to everyone and to everything, whatever differences we may have. Children learn that their behaviour choices have an effect on their own rights and those of others. All members of the school community are encouraged to treat each other with respect. This is reinforced by our ‘Diamond Rules for Life’ which provide a framework for how we treat each other.

Specific examples of how we at Treloweth School enhance pupils’ understanding and respect for different faiths and beliefs:

Religious Education, PSHE and other lessons where we develop an awareness and appreciation of other cultures, in English through fiction, and in art and music by considering cultures from all around the world
a celebration of culture through assemblies, themed weeks, noticeboards and displays.

Rice and Peas

We had the pleasure and honour of welcoming Beres from ‘Rice and Peas’ to our school. They delivered an informative and enjoyable assembly before coordinating two workshops for Year 2.

‘Rice and Peas’ is an ambitious project focused on supporting schools in Cornwall to champion more acceptance of inclusion and cultural diversity. Their vision is to provide awareness for schools and pupils to grow in an environment of greater unity and safety, built on trust and respect, where all children are able to explore, learn and reach their potential with regards to culture and inclusion.

EAL Parent Group

We offer our EAL parents an opportunity to meet with the school leadership team to discuss communication, issues arising and areas for improvement. Parents are keen to be helpful and it is hoped that a few volunteers will be sharing items from their culture with the children in the not-too-distant future.