PD - Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Everyone is Welcome at Ferryhill School
At Ferryhill School, “Everyone is Welcome” is more than a message. It reflects the inclusive, respectful and supportive school community we strive to create every day.
We believe that every young person deserves to feel safe, respected, included and valued. We recognise that every student is unique and that our different backgrounds, cultures, beliefs, identities, abilities and experiences enrich our school community.
Our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion is rooted in our three school values:
Integrity – We treat everyone with dignity, fairness and respect. We encourage students to stand up for what is right, challenge discrimination and take responsibility for their actions.
Creativity – We celebrate differences, embrace different perspectives and encourage students to be open-minded, curious and willing to learn from others.
Excellence – We believe every student deserves the opportunity to succeed. We work to remove barriers, provide appropriate support and help every young person achieve their potential.
We want every student to feel that they belong, that their voice matters and that they can contribute positively to our school and wider society.
What Do Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Mean?
Equality means ensuring that everyone is treated fairly and has opportunities to participate, learn and succeed.
Diversity means recognising, respecting and valuing the differences between people, including their backgrounds, beliefs, experiences, identities and abilities.
Inclusion means creating an environment where everyone feels welcomed, respected, supported and able to participate fully.
Equity means recognising that individuals may experience different barriers and may need different types of support to access opportunities fairly.
At Ferryhill School, we believe that understanding these principles helps students develop empathy, challenge prejudice and contribute to a community where everyone feels they belong.
Understanding Protected Characteristics
The Equality Act 2010 protects people from unlawful discrimination and identifies nine protected characteristics:
· Age
· Disability
· Gender reassignment
· Marriage and civil partnership
· Pregnancy and maternity
· Race
· Religion or belief
· Sex
· Sexual orientation
The Act applies differently in different settings. In relation to schools and pupils, the specific protections do not apply to age or marriage and civil partnership in the same way as the other seven characteristics. At Ferryhill School, students learn about protected characteristics, the importance of fairness and respect, and the impact that prejudice and discrimination can have on individuals and communities. Our commitment to inclusion extends to everyone, including young people who may face additional barriers or challenges associated with disadvantage, caring responsibilities or other personal circumstances. We encourage students to recognise that differences should never be a reason for someone to experience unfair treatment, exclusion, bullying or harassment.
How We Teach Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Equality, diversity and inclusion are embedded throughout school life and are an important part of our Personal Development curriculum. Through carefully planned learning from Year 7 to Year 11, students progressively develop their understanding of identity, belonging, respect, equality, discrimination, stereotypes and human rights.
Our Personal Development Curriculum
Tutor Time, Life Talks and Assemblies
Our Personal Development curriculum is supported by a planned programme of tutor activities, discussions and assemblies.
Our Life Talks programme provides students in Years 10 and 11 with opportunities to explore real-life situations, consider different perspectives and discuss how to challenge prejudice and discrimination. Topics include responding to racist comments, challenging discriminatory language, recognising harassment and promoting respectful behaviour online and in everyday life.
Our assembly programme reinforces important themes, including anti-bullying, human rights, remembrance, religious understanding, disability awareness and respect for others. These opportunities also support students' oracy development by encouraging them to listen actively, communicate clearly, consider different perspectives and respond respectfully.
Religious Education, Citizenship and British Values
Through Religious Education and Citizenship, students explore different religions, beliefs, cultures, moral questions, rights and responsibilities. They develop an understanding of the importance of respecting different perspectives and learn how individuals can contribute positively to a diverse and democratic society. Our promotion of fundamental British Values reinforces our commitment to mutual respect, tolerance, individual liberty, democracy and the rule of law.
Careers Education and Equal Opportunities
We believe that every student should have the opportunity to explore ambitious future pathways.
Through careers education, employer engagement, workplace experiences and impartial guidance, we encourage students to challenge stereotypes and recognise that career choices should not be limited by gender, background, disability or other personal circumstances. We aim to provide appropriate support so that all students can make informed decisions and develop the confidence to pursue their aspirations.
Celebrating Diversity and Promoting Belonging
We believe that students benefit from learning about the experiences, achievements and contributions of people from different backgrounds and communities. Through our curriculum, assemblies and wider school experiences, we provide opportunities for students to explore different cultures, religions, beliefs, identities and perspectives. These experiences help students appreciate diversity, develop empathy and understand the importance of treating others with dignity and respect. We also recognise the importance of listening to students and ensuring their views contribute to the development of a positive and inclusive school community.
Supporting Every Student
At Ferryhill School, inclusion means recognising that students have different strengths, needs and experiences. We are committed to identifying and reducing barriers that may prevent young people from fully accessing education and wider school opportunities. This includes supporting students with special educational needs and disabilities, disadvantaged students, young carers and those who may experience additional personal or social challenges. We seek to ensure that students receive appropriate support and reasonable adjustments where required, enabling them to participate, develop confidence and achieve their potential. Our aim is for every young person to feel valued, supported and included in school life.
Our Commitment in Action
Ferryhill School's commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion and wellbeing is reflected in our wider provision and recognised through a number of achievements including:
Rainbow Flag Award
Recognising our work to develop an inclusive and supportive school environment.
Young Carers Charter Accreditation
Recognising our commitment to identifying, supporting and understanding the needs of young carers.
Durham Local Authority Anti-Bullying Accreditation
Reflecting our commitment to preventing bullying, promoting respectful behaviour and supporting students.
Healthy Schools Award
Recognising our commitment to promoting student health and wellbeing.
International School Award – Intermediate Level
Reflecting our work to broaden students' horizons and develop their understanding of different cultures and the wider world.
These achievements complement our ongoing work to create a school community where everyone feels safe, respected and included.
Challenging Discrimination, Harassment and Bullying
Everyone has the right to feel safe and respected at Ferryhill School.
We take discrimination, prejudice, harassment and bullying seriously and encourage all members of our school community to challenge behaviour that undermines the dignity or wellbeing of others.
Students are encouraged to speak up if they experience or witness discrimination, bullying or harassment, whether in school or online.
Who can students speak to?
Students can speak to their Form Tutor, Head of Year, Mr Handley, Miss Bowden or any other trusted adult in school.
Concerns will be taken seriously and addressed through the school's pastoral, behaviour and safeguarding arrangements.
Further information and support:
Anti-Bullying at Ferryhill School
