Preparing our Students for Life in Modern Britain

The North Bristol Post 16 Centre, a soft federation between Cotham and Redland Green School, actively promotes the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs. This is done through the effective spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils, through the inclusion of our well-rounded programme including; collective assemblies, our speaker programme, our tutor programme, our work on internationalism and the work we do with our local communities.

Through our provision the Centre endeavours to develop Spiritual development by:

Students ability to reflect about their own beliefs, religious or otherwise, that inform their perspective on life and their interest in and respect for different people’s faiths, feelings and values.
Sense of enjoyment and fascination in hearing about themselves, others and the world around them.
Use of imagination and creativity in their learning.
Willingness to reflect on their experiences.

The Centre supports the moral development of our students to enable them to develop their:

Ability to recognise the difference between right and wrong, and to apply this understanding in their own lives and, in doing so, respect the civil and criminal law of England.
Understanding of the consequences of their behaviour and actions.
Interest in investigating and offering reasoned views about moral and ethical issues, understanding and appreciating the view point of others.

The Centre supports the social development of our students to enable them to develop their:

Social skills in different contexts, including working and socialising with students from different religious, ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds.
Willingness to participate in a variety of communities and social settings, including by volunteering, co-operating well with others and being able to resolve conflict effectively.
Acceptance and engagement with the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.

The Centre supports the fundamental British values of:

Democracy.
The rule of law.
Individual liberty and mutual respect, and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.

The Centre supports the cultural development of our students to enable them to develop their:

Understanding and appreciation of the wide range of cultural influences that have shaped their own heritage and that of others.
Understanding and appreciation of the range of different cultures within schools and further afield as an essential element of their preparations for life in modern Britain.
Knowledge of Britain’s democratic parliamentary system and its central role in shaping our history and values, and in continuing to develop Britain.
Willingness to participate in and respond positively to artistic, sporting and cultural opportunities.
Interest in exploring, improving understanding and showing respect for different faiths and cultural diversity.
Tolerance towards different religious, ethnic and socio-economic groups in the local, national and global communities.

Examples of how we prepare students for life in Modern Britain:

World Food Day
True adventures – Trips to India, The Gambia
Overseas trips include – Paris, Spain, Germany
Future 18 week
Democracy week

These activities allow students to develop their interest in exploring and showing respect for different faith and cultures and are a major contributor in helping students with their social wellbeing, sense of independence and increased confidence. They are memorable, effective and life changing, offering the students the opportunity to put skills learnt in the classroom into practice. Not only do these trips act as a major contributor to the acquisition of student knowledge, they also assist student’s personal development including a sense of independence, maturity, interpersonal skills, leadership, teamwork, trust and respect for one another. These trips see improved personal and emotional wellbeing in students, improved social wellbeing and interaction, increased enthusiasm and confidence in learning and changed attitudes and raised aspirations. Cultural development and a clearer understanding of the world around them helps them as global citizens in the world today.

Assembly and Speaker sessions

Assemblies and our speaker sessions are a planned programme of development presented to students monthly 50 minute slots. These sessions should enable students with the knowledge, understanding and skills needed to manage their lives both now and in the future. They help develop the qualities and attributes students need to thrive as individuals, family members and members of society and prepare them for life in modern Britain.

Talking part in Charity Events

This kind of charitable activity gives students an improved sense of wellbeing, transferable business skills, and develops a wide range of personal qualities producing well organised pupils who have self-pride, are motivated, passionate, can work together and have a social and environment conscience. Our students are kept informed about issues of social injustice and inequality throughout the world and develop a spiritual connection linked to selfless giving. Our students have an evoked sense of gratitude, have the opportunity to meet like-minded people and have a sense of purpose, commitment and challenge. These charitable events promote a ripple of generosity which can be seen throughout both learning communities.

UNIFROG

Our careers programme enriches the Centre curriculum and involve students in activities which are not just focused on academic learning but on acquiring the skills required to succeed in society. Our enrichments offer helps to boost self-esteem and confidence as students have a chance to succeed in different areas of learning and the more informal learning environment and wide variety of topics on offer promotes a new engagement in learning for many students. Enrichment helps develop the social wellbeing of students by introducing them to likeminded individuals and help to promote good student teacher relationships resulting in students having a generally more positive attitude to the Centre and learning. Our students have the opportunity to develop skills and talents which might not necessarily be nurtured through the academic programme. Students are kept entertained and busy while being allowed to explore a number of new and interesting activities.

Democracy Week, mock elections, and elections of the student council

To help prepare our students to participate democratically we organise mock elections and hustings and encourage discussion of the important issues during election time. We also encourage participation in the election of officers and leaders to the student council. Students are able to develop skills of public speaking and debate, as well as understanding the value of a democratic system.

“Future 18” Week

This annual event in term 6 allows students to explore options for the future through work based workshops and university presentations, as well as a day of sessions on topics of wellbeing and values. Workshops included important input from the police on radicalisation and freedom of religion, as well as interacting effectively with others from a range of different backgrounds. This enables students to understand and develop skills in the fundamental British values of the rule of law, individual liberty and respect.