Our commitment to equality at Erasmus Darwin Academy seeks to foster warm, welcoming and respectful environments, which allow us to question and challenge discrimination and inequality, resolve conflicts peacefully and work and learn free from harassment and victimisation.
We recognise that there are similarities and differences between individuals and groups but we will strive to ensure that our differences do not become barriers to participation, access and learning and to create inclusive processes and practices, where the varying needs of individuals and groups are identified and met. We therefore cannot achieve equality for all by treating everyone the same.
We will build on our similarities and seek enrichment from our differences and so promote understanding and learning between and towards others to create cohesive communities. Awareness of issues surrounding equality and discrimination are raised and actively discussed throughout all of the key stages in the Academy.
Our tutorial programme and other aspects of the curriculum are designed to develop upon the central ethos of the Academy as a community in which its members respect each other. Erasmus Darwin Academy pays due regard to its responsibilities under the Equalities Act 2010 through the following actions:
The Academy Motto is: EXCELLENCE FOR ALL
Erasmus Darwin Academy has adopted the Olympic and Paralympic values as follows:
Excellence Being the best you can be
Respect Understanding others and their cultures
Friendship To help people in all circumstances
Equality To treat others how you would like to be treated
Determination To try again and again when things go wrong
Courage To carry on when the going gets tough
Inspiration To follow in the footsteps of my role model
There is an extensive range of activities which allow students to explore the values and beliefs of others, develop their own personal values and beliefs, understand human feelings and emotions, investigate moral values and ethical issues and develop an understanding of how communities and societies function. Individualising students’ curriculums and develop flexible learning arrangements to support all students in attaining their target grades. Weekly assemblies will often raise a wide range of moral and religious issues. The themes for assemblies focus on respect to other peoples’ values and beliefs, thereby challenging stereotypes and promoting equality.
All students follow a GCSE examination in RE that explores their understanding of major world religions and allows them to reflect on the similarities and differences in beliefs of different cultures and develop an appreciation of cultural diversity. In curriculum subjects such as History, the treatment of minority groups is studied extensively and, in Geography, the issues surrounding the treatment of refugees and asylum seekers is discussed in a contemporary context. The PSHE programme actively addresses discrimination on the grounds of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age and other criteria.
Staff training on the requirements and obligations of the Equalities Act 2010 takes place annually.
MONITORING AND EVALUATING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF OUR COMMITMENT TO EQUALITY
- A range of information, including quantitative and qualitative data, will be used. It will include: Data from all of the protected characteristics of gender, age, race, disability, religion or belief and sexual orientation (where appropriate data is obtainable):
- Student attainment.
- Access to the curriculum and subject areas.
- Exclusions from Academy.
- Sanctions and rewards.
- Staff recruitment, retention and career development.
- Analysis of racist incidents and other forms of discrimination.
.• Consultation with parents, students, governors and the LA.
The Governing Body has also approved an Equality Policy and Action Plan which details how we seek to foster warm, welcoming and respectful environments, allowing us to question and challenge discrimination and inequality, resolve conflicts peacefully and work and learn free from harassment and victimisation. Equality documentation is reviewed annually by the Governing Body.