Social development is achieved at Ellwood by:
- Fostering a sense of community with common, inclusive values (Assembly; Home-School Agreement; links with Rev Michelle),
- Promoting racial, religious and other forms of equality (Racial &Equal opportunities policies )
- Encouraging children to work co-operatively (PSHE, Buddies, House points system, mixed sports teams)
- Encouraging children to recognise and respect social differences and similarities e.g. where they live, different kinds of family models, age issues (RE; English, History, Geography and PSHE)
- Promoting British Values
- Providing positive experiences e.g. special curriculum events, productions, school council, school sporting events, class Assemblies
- Helping pupils develop personal qualities which are valued in life in modern Britain.
- Providing opportunities to participate in the democratic process and participate in making community decisions (School Council; votes in class on a variety of issues)
- Providing children with opportunities to volunteer and demonstrate responsibility
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Spending time together
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Games to build social skills
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Building friendships
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Working together to solve problems and come up with solutions
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Having lunch together
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Sharing books
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Forest adventures
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Nativity
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Playing games together
Mock Trial at Coleford Police Station
Y5/6 Mock Trial This afternoon, 13 children took part in a ‘mock trial’ which was organised by Gloucestershire Magistrates Court. The children were given a script of the trial that was going to take place, which they had to read and learn. Some parts required outfits that would suit their roles. It was fabulous to see shirts and ties, smart dresses and every day clothing to help portray the characters.
In attendance at the trial, to help the children, were active magistrates, a judge and Gloucestershire’s deputy police commissioner. The children took the roles of the prosecution team and we went up against St. John’s on the Hill school, who were the defence team. Our team consisted of witnesses, a legal advisor, magistrates, prosecutors, an artist, a reporter, witness service team and a youth offending team.
The event took place at Coleford Police Station, where a court room is still set up, even though it’s not in use. Each member of the team was given a seat, which mimicked a real life trial, where they remained for the duration. In turn, the children took up their roles with confidence (and a few nerves). Every single one of the team were pushed out of their comfort zone and rose to the challenge when acting in their role. I couldn’t have been prouder of every single one of them. They showed resilience when under pressure and their hidden confidence shone through.
On Friday the Willow Year 5 children took part in a DT lesson at Dean Academy. They had a great afternoon practising their woodworking skills through making a pencil case. The children worked really hard and were very accurate with their nailing and measuring skills.
