Equality Duty at Brandles School

At Brandles we welcome our duties under the Equality Act 2010.

We honour the uniqueness of each individual and embrace the diverse backgrounds, values and points of view to build a strong, inclusive community and to prepare students for lives in a multicultural society. Above all else, we hope and strive for all students to be a force for good in a rapidly changing world.

Promoting equal opportunities is fundamental to the aims and ethos of Brandles School. Our school is committed to equal treatment for all students, regardless of race, sex, disability, religion or belief, gender identity or sexual orientation.

Each of the core principles of Brandles School suggests an approach which promotes equality and celebrates diversity. Students will only achieve excellence if the barriers that promote unequal outcomes are successfully removed. Education can only be truly comprehensive if every student has an equal chance to thrive. This can only be achieved by effective partnership with key external organisations, and strong links throughout the local community. It is only with a genuinely international outlook that students will truly understand and value global diversity. These values are commonly held across our Trust and by Brandles School.

The school’s general duties, with regards to equality are:

• Eliminating discrimination.
• Fostering good relationships.
• Advancing equality of opportunity.

We will not discriminate against, harass or victimise any student, prospective student, member of staff or other member of the school community because of their:

• Age
• Disability
• Gender reassignment
• Marriage and civil partnership
• Pregnancy and maternity
• Race
• Religion or belief
• Sex
• Sexual orientation

Brandles aims to promote students’ spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development, with special emphasis on promoting equality, diversity and eradicating prejudicial incidents for pupils and staff. Our school is committed to not only eliminating discrimination, but also increasing understanding and appreciation for diversity.

Brandles recognises that certain groups in society have historically been disadvantaged on account of unlawful discrimination they have faced on the basis of their race, gender, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age.

Our Equality Policy outlines a range of actions to eliminate prejudice, unlawful discrimination and victimisation within the school community and workforce.

Equality Objectives 2020-21

Whilst continuously aiming to improve the implementation of equality related policies and procedures, Brandles has identified the following specific objectives for the school year 2020-21:

• To narrow the gap between the progress made by disadvantaged boys and those of non-disadvantaged students nationally.
• To narrow the gap between the attendance of disadvantaged boys and that of non-disadvantaged students nationally.
• To narrow the gap between the proportion of disadvantaged boys who receive fixed-term exclusions and non-disadvantaged students nationally.
• Address any pupil progress issues specific to arising from COVID-19 closure amongst students from any of our protected categories.
• Audit whole school curriculum to ensure it is promoting positive images of ethnic minorities.
• Ensure issues around Black Lives Matter are being discussed and explained with pupils.
• School ‘experience’ to more closely reflect and celebrate the multicultural country in which students live.
• Make adjustments for personalised needs based on plans and ongoing reviews of student needs
• Ensure that all areas of the curriculum can be adjusted for access no matter what needs are presented
• Make adjustments to coverage in agreement with parents, staff, students (where possible) to maximise life chances, engagement and enjoyment/self esteem
• Provide time and support for additional arrangements designated via an EHCP
• Ensure that our students gain access to appropriate support and guidance in a variety of areas that provide next stage growth. This may include wellbeing, careers and financial education, sex and relationship education
• Review frequently and challenge both our breadth and depth of content to ensure that as cohorts, needs and time change, we adapt accordingly to continue to meet the needs of all students.

Equity and Social Justice

At Brandles we believe that every young person, through access to a great education, should be provided with the opportunities to succeed in life, regardless of where they live or their circumstances.

We believe that the best bets in this endeavour are to use a coherent, complimentary and finely crafted curriculum that embeds both powerful knowledge and learning skills with holistic and therapeutic interventions.

We believe that equity and social justice exists in providing a nourishing and sustaining culture where students can thrive academically, athletically, socially and emotionally.    

Cartoon - The Tony Ruth Equity Series