British Values

At Springwater School, we believe that all learning is best when it is practical. We take every opportunity to prepare children for life in modern Britain. We are clear about our responsibility to prepare children and young people to take their place in British society and deliver this in planned ways and when opportunities arise – such as on the playground.


We ensure that fundamental British Values are introduced, discussed and lived out through the ethos and work of the school. All curriculum areas provide a vehicle for furthering understanding of these concepts and, in particular, our PSHE and RE lessons provide excellent opportunities to deepen and develop understanding. We take the opportunity to provide learning opportunities if there are national or international events, as quite often pupils are aware of through the media or through social media. For example, the pupils had experience of voting, and hearing from ‘candidates’ in their departments and classes during the General Election. We also ‘myth bust’ and challenge our older pupils to challenge views and opinions which may arise as ‘fake news’.


The school makes considerable efforts to ensure children have exposure to a wide range of experiences both within and beyond their local community. This ensures that they have opportunities to practice values such as tolerance, democracy and following rules - for example during sporting events or by participating in a Youth Voice Conference.


We have a very active student council, who were democratically elected and who meet regularly. They have introduced new initiatives such as a regular fayre and a buddy system. They are consulted when there are school matters under consideration – for example the plans for our new outdoor space. They make suggestions for change in school, and from September 2018 will be driving forward developments for a house system in school – as they want all pupils whatever their age or stage in school, to meet together regularly.

 

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

The Department for Education states that a pupil's first language is not English where:

“...the pupil has been exposed to a language other than English during early development and continues to be exposed to this language in the home or in the community…”

At Springwater School we welcome pupils and families of all cultures, religions and languages and we actively promote the inclusion of these learners within our diverse and expanding population.

We welcome refugees and aim to support them to:

  • make progress
  • fulfil their potential
  • be motivated and proactive learners
  • be proud of their identity and language skills

An extract from our ‘Welcome’ handbook:

Background info

 

EAL means they either do not speak any English as they have newly arrived here, or are exposed to more than one language at home and in their wider families.

 It can take:

 1-2 years to develop Basic Interpersonal Communication Skills

 5-7 years for Cognitive Academic Language Proficiency

 A silent period doesn’t necessarily mean learning difficulties, but could be a period where they are focussing on listening and understanding.

Useful websites:

https://www.nyeducationservices.co.uk/services/eal-and-grt-service

https://ealresources.bell-foundation.org.uk/teachers/great-ideas-pages

https://www.cityofsanctuary.org/

https://www.refugeecouncil.org.uk/

https://www.refugee-action.org.uk/about/

https://www.solace-uk.org.uk/therapy/solace-in-bradford

Moia Wood (EAL Consultant and Specialist Teacher) from the EAL and GRT Service conducted a Learning Walk or EAL Health Check at Springwater School on 16th October 2018. Please see her findings and recommendations in the attached report.

pdfSpringwater School Health Check

 

Find Us

Springwater School
High Street
Starbeck
Harrogate
HG2 7LW

About Us

Springwater is a vibrant and progressive day school catering for students ranging from two to nineteen years. Offering places to students who may have profound and multiple, severe or physical difficulties, the majority of our current students have co-existing or multiple needs. We also cater for students with autistic spectrum condition and elements of challenging behaviour.