Upwell Academy

Pupil voice plays a big part in life here at Upwell Academy. Our pupil-elected Pupil Leadership Team (PLT) plays a significant role in our school. They are elected by their classmates and are involved in making our school a better place to learn. Pupil questionnaires and surveys are also conducted throughout the year. In this way, pupils can share their ideas, thoughts and opinions.

What we do:

• Class voting for the election of PLT members at the start of the year.
• House group assemblies, Pupil Leadership, our Eco council - All children are encouraged to debate topics of interest, express their views and make a meaningful contribution to the running of the school on matters that directly involve pupils, such as celebrations, fundraising and parking issues. 
• Children also have the opportunity to have their voices heard through pupil questionnaires and pupil surveys.
• The principle of democracy is explored in the curriculum as well as during assemblies and special days.
• Provide pupils with a broad general knowledge of, and promote respect for, public institutions and services.
• Teach pupils how they can influence decision-making through the democratic process; taught through assemblies and our school curriculum
• Teach a dedicated topic on the civil rights movement (protests and politics) in Year 6.
• Encourage pupils to become involved in decision-making processes and ensure they are listened to in school.
• Help pupils to express their views.
• Model how perceived injustice can be peacefully challenged. 

Our pupils will encounter rules and laws throughout their childhood and adult lives. We want our pupils to understand that whether these laws and rules are about being in class, around the school or in the local neighbourhood, they are set for good reasons and must be adhered to. This understanding of the importance of rules will be consistently reinforced through assemblies and through our curriculum. The involvement of our pupils in the creation of some class rules helps them to understand the reasons behind rules and the consequences if rules are broken. Throughout the year, we welcome visits from members of the wider community including police, war veterans, the fire brigade and many more. We believe that clear explanations and real life stories emphasise the importance of the Rule of Law for our pupils.

What we do:

• Ensure school rules and expectations are clear and fair.
• Class rules and celebration of adhering to these rules; Children are involved in this decision-making.
• Help pupils to distinguish right from wrong.
• Help pupils to respect the law and the basis on which it is made; This is also taught within our topics within the Curriculum, such as The Romans and Stone Age.
• Help pupils to understand that living under the rule of law protects individuals.
• Explore within our Personal Development Lessons laws and what to do if peer pressure is trying to persuade children to break these.
• Promote the Rights Respecting School Articles (on policies, around school, in assemblies etc).
• Refer to the Equality Act 2010 as part of our No Outsiders Assemblies. 

We offer an expanding range of clubs which pupils have the freedom to choose from, based on their interests. These are fully inclusive. Through our PSHE sessions, we educate children on their rights and personal freedoms as well as supporting them in recognising how to remain safe within society.

Our Academy promotes pupils to accept, understand and appreciate differences in those who are in some way different to themselves. In our school, pupils learn and play together with respect for each other. We appreciate each other, no matter what differences may exist. We work in teams throughout the school. Mutual respect and understanding is at the core of our school life.

We are surrounded in modern Britain by endless diversity. So, we teach and show our children how to respect and celebrate this enrichment.

We offer a culturally rich and diverse curriculum in which all major religions are studied and respected. Teachers and our Academy Committee strongly believe that tolerance and appreciation is gained through knowledge and understanding. Through our curriculum and the routines of our daily school life, we strive to demonstrate acceptance and help children to become knowledgeable and understanding citizens who can build an even better Britain for the future.