Inclusion Equality & Diversity | Penwortham Priory Academy

At Penwortham Priory Academy, we welcome everybody into our inclusive school community. The staff, Trustees, pupils and parents work together to make school a happy, welcoming place where all young people feel that they belong, can achieve their full potential, can develop as confident individuals and flourish. We celebrate diversity and promote a positive culture where everyone can thrive and feel proud of who they are. We provide a learning environment that enables all pupils to make the greatest possible progress and achieve their full potential in a caring, supportive and fully inclusive environment.

We are an inclusive community. We are deeply committed to removing the barriers to learning and participation that can hinder or exclude individual young pupils, or groups of pupils. Equality of opportunity is a reality for all our young people within school. Our dedicated Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) team and Culture and LGBTQ+ Champions work relentlessly to ensure that all children have the right to a fulfilling school experience, regardless of their social background, ethnicity, special educational or medical need, disability, gender or religion.

As a school, we fully recognise our responsibilities under the Equalities Act 2010 and aim to move beyond compliance with the legislation.

Our school ethos and aims provide the grounding and framework to ensure that all our staff and pupils are part of the Priory community, developing the abilities to form long lasting friendships and connections and equipped with the values and moral compass to help add value in creating a more inclusive and accepting world. Whilst there is still inequality in the world, it is important that our young people grow up aware of inequality and are prepared to challenge the status quo. Racism, homophobia, gender stereotypes, limits on opportunities depending on post-code, faith or culture all need to be eradicated.

We teach our young people about equality, diversity and inclusion through our Learning for Life Curriculum, assemblies, dynamic visitor workshops, educational visits and where appropriate through our National Curriculum subjects. Curriculum areas are committed to making sure their curriculums represent all protected characteristics positively.

In addition we offer additional provision and activities to ensure pupils feel supported and to provide opportunities for whole school education and celebration.

Each of the three areas of provision have development plans in place to ensure, that provision for our young people continually improves and is based on research, best practice, staff, pupil and parent voice.

We welcome new strategy ideas being brought to us by our young pupils and enable them to Lead whole school initiatives for which they have passion.

Our policies regarding Inclusion, Equality & Diversity can be accessed from the Policies page here> Policies & Guidelines | Penwortham Priory Academy

Celebrating Diversity: The Culture Club at Penwortham Priory Academy

At Penwortham Priory Academy, we believe that cultural diversity is one of our greatest strengths. Our Culture Club is dedicated to celebrating and enriching the cultural experiences of our students, fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and respected.

Over the years, the Culture Club has organised a variety of events that highlight the rich tapestry of cultures within our school community. These events not only educate but also inspire our students to appreciate and embrace diversity.

One of our most significant annual events is Black History Month. During this month, we host a series of activities and presentations that honour the contributions and achievements of Black individuals throughout history. Students engage in discussions, watch documentaries, and participate in creative projects that deepen their understanding of Black history and culture.

Another highlight of our cultural calendar is the annual Culture Day. This vibrant event brings together students, staff, and families to celebrate the diverse cultures represented at our school. The day is filled with traditional music, dance performances, henna activities, and food stalls offering a taste of different cuisines. It's a joyous occasion that fosters a sense of unity and pride in our multicultural community.

In addition to these major events, the Culture Club also organises smaller activities throughout the year. These include language exchange workshops, cultural film screenings, and guest speaker sessions. Each event is designed to provide students with a broader perspective on the world and to encourage them to share their own cultural heritage.

The Culture Club at Penwortham Priory Academy is more than just a club; it's a community where students can learn, share, and grow together. We are committed to continuing our efforts to promote cultural awareness and understanding, ensuring that every student feels a sense of belonging and pride in their identity.

Join us in celebrating the rich diversity that makes our school unique. Together, we can create a more inclusive and harmonious world, one cultural experience at a time.