Woodlands is a truly diverse and fully inclusive school which welcomes students from all communities and faiths. When students with English as an additional language join us, where possible, they are ‘buddied up’ with other students who speak their home language. Some students are placed in a tutor group with our EAL coordinator, Mr Capon, who provides students with language support. Mr Capon regularly provides CPD and guidance for members of staff so that they are best placed to support students whose first language is not English.
We hold an event each term so that students can celebrate their culture and share this with the whole community so that students across the school can become more cultural awareness and see the benefits of diversity. We celebrate a Culture Week, a Diversity Week and Refugee Week with the students helping to deliver activities aimed at dispelling myths, raising cultural awareness as well as having lots of fun along the way.
“We support the ‘City of Sanctuary’ vision that the UK will be a welcoming place of safety for all and proud to offer sanctuary to people fleeing violence and persecution.
We endorse the City of Sanctuary Charter, and agree to act in accordance with City of Sanctuary values and apply the network principles within our work (as far as our specific context enables us to).
We recognize the contribution of people seeking sanctuary. Sanctuary seekers are welcomed, included and supported within our context. We expect our branches or local groups (if any) to support their local City of Sanctuary group if one exists, and will facilitate contact between them and their local City of Sanctuary group.”