Curriculum

What makes an Educate Together school different?

Ethical Curriculum

In an Educate Together school, we deliver an ethical education curriculum which runs alongside the National Curriculum and which is interwoven into everything we do. We have a designated programme of lessons and themes called “Learn Together” which encompasses the core values of all teaching and learning in the school. It is subject to continuous review and development.

The programme is divided into four strands:

Moral and spiritual development – to help children develop a critical knowledge, understanding and awareness of right and wrong. We aim for a strong awareness of social, ethical and moral standards by reflecting on the meaning and purpose of life. This strand encourages children to reflect on their individual life journey and to make informed moral choices.

Equality and justice – to develop in children a critical knowledge, understanding and awareness of issues relating to human rights, equality, culture and diversity, social justice and social inclusiveness and to empower them to make a difference.

Ethics and the environment - to develop children’s knowledge and appreciation of and respect for their environment to empower them to take an active role in its stewardship. The environment is defined to include concepts of social, economic, political and environmental sustainability. Children participate in study of environment and social issues in their own community and take appropriate action.

Belief Systems – explains and explores the major belief systems and life stances in the world, teaching children about these faiths and beliefs without endorsing any particular one as religious truth. Particular care is taken to represent non-theistic, humanist, atheist and personal life stances as equally valid as traditional religions.

Integrated approach

The ethical curriculum is at the heart of everything we do, including special events, workshops and community action. The range of activities and celebrations within an individual school will be determined through consultation with the school community. The educational aim of this work is to model positive information about the diversity of humanity in a respectful atmosphere, which highlights rights and responsibilities.

Child-Centred

Educate Together schools aim to be truly child-centred, meaning that not only do we consider the benefit to children of every decision we make, but we also ensure Pupil Voice and Children’s Rights are high profile, inclusive and inform our decision making and practice. All schools have or are working towards Rights Respecting School Awards issued by the UNCRC. Children are taught, encouraged and supported to have a voice and take leadership roles in many areas of school life.

We operate a graduated approach to SEND provision, based on the principle that ‘all teachers should be SEND teachers’ and that excellent classroom practice caters for the individual needs of all children on an equitable basis. We provide support and challenge as needed and aim to remove barriers where possible, so that every child is engaged, valued and achieving their potential. We actively celebrate neurodiversity and aim for a good understanding among both children and adults of the different ways we learn and understand the world.

We proactively strive for equity across all areas of school life and the Trust as a whole organisation. We challenge discrimination and injustice in all its forms and take active steps to remove barriers wherever and however they may occur.

Learning Schools

Educate Together schools are committed to modelling learning, reflection and evidence-informed practice. All teaching and learning support staff are encouraged and supported to develop expertise and research best practice. We collaborate closely with leading experts such as the Chartered College of Teaching and regional maths hubs. We aim for excellence and innovation and actively support our staff’s professional development in order to achieve this.