Below we outline how we build these elements into our curriculum.
Our whole ethos is based on providing our pupils with a holistic education, underpinned by spiritual, moral, social and cultural principles. There are many examples of how these principles are built into life at Thomas Wolsey Ormiston Academy. It is a strength of ours and one we are always keen to promote.
“Pupils’ spiritual development involves the growth of their sense of self, their unique potential, their understanding of their strengths and weaknesses, and their will to achieve. As their curiosity about themselves and their place in the world increases, they try to answer for themselves some of life’s fundamental questions. They develop the knowledge, skills, qualities and attitude they need to foster their own inner lives and non-material well-being.”
All pupils, teachers and support assistants who attend our weekly celebration assembly take part in a short STOP time each week. STOP stands for Still, Think Or Pray. We always ask for suggestions about who or what to hold in our thoughts.
We have strong links with our local church, St Mary & St Botolph which hosts our annual Secondary Christmas concert as well as other events during the year such as ‘The Easter Experience’ and ‘The Harvest Experience’. These are accessible and relevant to all our children, what ever their level of understanding.
“Pupils’ moral development involves pupils acquiring an understanding of the difference between right and wrong and of moral conflict, a concern for others and the will to do what is right. They are able to willing to reflect on the consquence of their actions and learn how to forgive themselves and others. They develop the knowledge , skills and understanding, qualities and attitudes they need in order to make responsible moral decisions and act on them.”
One of the advantages of an all-age school is having older pupils to act as role-models for younger pupils. Where possible, they are supported to help resolve disputes that occur, e.g. during playtimes.
We have numerous fundraising days to which all members of the school community are invited, e.g. MacMillan Coffee Morning, Sport Relief, Children in Need etc. Our pupils always play a lead role in organising these events and develop an understanding of why such activities are so important.
“Pupils’ social development involves pupils acquiring an understanding of the responsiblities and rights of being members of families and communities (local, national and global), and an ability to relate to others and to work with others for the common good. They display a sense of belonging and an increasing willingess to participate. They develop the knowledge, skills, understanding, qualities and attitudes they need to make an active contritribution to the democratic process in each of their communities.”
There are lots of ways that we foster social development in school. Three examples are:
The morning PLI and Communication and Interaction sessions encourage social development across the school through practicing greetings and sharing of each others’ news.
All Secondary pupils have the chance to stand for and vote in our annual school council elections.
All our pupils are encouraged to learn about and participate in their local community through events such as participation in events such as the Suffolk Show or Snape Malting’s A Celebration of Schools’ Music.
“Pupils’ cultural development involves pupils’ acquiring an understanding of cultural traditions and an ability to appreciate and respond to a variety of aesthetic experiences. They acquire a respect for their own culture and that of others, an interest in others’ ways of doing things and curiosity about differences. They develop the knowledge, skills, understanding, qualities and attitudes they need to understand, appreciate and contribute to culture.”
Our long-term plans include topics about places with cultures sometimes very different to ours, which everyone can access in their own way, e.g. Global Rhythms and Rhymes and A Carnival of Colour.
As part of our enrichment offer, we mark and may celebrate feast days from other cultures such as Diwali or Eid..