Democracy
At the heart of our school is the key principle that all students are leaders. They work closely with other students, staff, parents the community and schoolgovernors on all aspects of school life. They have a real say in the development and future of our school.
The Beckfoot Student Leadership Steering Group is democratically elected every two years and all students have the opportunity to cast their vote in a realistic setting. These students work alongside staff on all aspects of school development, seeking to represent the views of all students and to encourage an ethos of co-construction.
Students have a great amount of input in regards to what helps them learn. They have staff led continuous professional development sessions and are regularly surveyed as part of both faculty and year group reviews to promote their student voice. An understanding of democracy is taught in PSHCE.
Click here to learn more about student leadership at Beckfoot.
Individual Liberty
We invest a great deal of time in creating a positive culture in school, so that students are in a safe environment where choices and freedoms are encouraged. In a recent year 7 survey, 100% of students said they felt safe, enjoyed their learning and felt valued in Beckfoot. Teachers personalise the learning for all students to ensure that they make more than expected progress.
We offer a wide range of extra-curricular activities for students to choose from, allowing them to make a choice based on their interests. Enrichment week also gives students the chance to try something different and work with a range of staff and students from across the school for a week; there are over 30 exciting activities for them to engage with.
PSHCE and humanities also educate students on their rights and personal freedoms, as well as supporting them in recognising how to exercise their freedoms safely. At Beckfoot we believe that valuing choice and freedom in daily school life will foster a value for individual liberty as the children embark on their adult lives.
Rule of Law
Our students will encounter rules and laws throughout their entire lives. We want our students to understand that whether these laws govern the teaching group, the school, the neighbourhood or the country, they are set for good reasons, for the benefit of us all and must be adhered to.
This understanding of the importance of rules and moral values is consistently reinforced through our assembly program and our curriculum. The involvement of our pupils in the creation of the school Positive Learning Strategy helps them to understand the reasons behind the rules and the consequences if they are broken. Students are aware of the Beckfoot expectations. We have a strong culture of discussion and debate that is encouraged across the curriculum.
Mutual Respect and Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs
Mutual respect is at the core of our school life. Respect forms one of the key qualities. Students learn to treat each other and staff with great respect. This is evident when walking around the school.
At Beckfoot we offer a culturally rich and diverse curriculum in which all major religions are studied and respected. We are co-located with Beckfoot Hazelbeck Special School, and often work with their students and staff to create a sense of community around our shared building. We want our students to understand how they can work with people who are different to them.