Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural Education
Pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is woven into the ethos of the school. Pupils reflect deeply about their own and others’ experiences and use them to inform their perspective on life in order to develop respect for different people’s faiths, feelings and values. They have a keen interest in moral and ethical issues and act in a principled manner, understanding the consequences of their behaviour and actions.
They have a sense of enjoyment and fascination about the world around them and embrace new experiences which broaden their understanding. They engage enthusiastically in artistic, musical, sporting and cultural opportunities. This is firmly rooted in the school’s vision and ethos of promoting inclusion and a cohesive community.
RE is enjoyed by pupils and ensures that they understand, respect and celebrate the diversity of faiths and cultures in modern Britain. This is enhanced by visitors to the school and inspirational visits to art galleries, museums and places of worship, such as a Gurdwara, Hindu Temple and Methodist Centre. Through the delivery of Humanities, SEAL, Creative Curriculum and assemblies, pupils are imaginative and creative in their learning and are able to understand and appreciate the viewpoints of others.
Pupils learn acceptance and engagement with the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and the role of civil and criminal law in England. This prepares them to be tolerant and live in a diverse society. As a result they are able to demonstrate skills and attitudes that will allow them to participate fully in and contribute positively to life in modern Britain.
The school offers extensive opportunities for pupils to participate in a variety of communities and social settings including: local residential homes and hospices, toddler groups and nurseries, community action groups and work with local businesses. Pupils are encouraged to share and take responsibility for exemplary behaviour and conduct. The school elects Head Boys and Girls, prefects, house captains, peer mentors, ‘helping hands’, a school council, an eco-council and sports leaders. This has a wide-ranging and positive impact on their personal development, behaviour and well-being.
Parkside Inspiration Day 27th January 2020
“The difference that we want to make starts with us”.
The aim for the day was to empower young people with the knowledge, skills and confidence to challenge all forms of prejudice and discrimination. Discussion was based around the holocaust, why it happened and how we should remember it, as well as a focus on recent hate crimes and how they link to today’s society. The main outcome for the day is to create our own memorial illustrating that we are a caring and inclusive school and that each and every one of us can make a difference.
Pupils were sensitive and considerate, provoking insightful discussion around prejudice and discrimination.
“The day made me realise just what people went through and how important it is to remember so we can make sure nothing like that happens again” Sophie Year 6
“It was an enjoyable, but emotional day that taught me lots of things that I didn’t know such as the conditions of the concentration camps and how there are still hate crimes today” Alfie Year 6
Learning about such a tragic event was powerful, but fascinating and shocking at the same time. We must never forget what happened and use it to influence our future behaviour” Kelsie Year 7
“Learning about such an important and devastating time in history will help prevent future atrocities and teach future generations how to not discriminate” Honey Year 7
Parkside pupils are proud to give you a preview of our upcoming community artworks!
Year 8 Trip to Birmingham Central Mosque
On Wednesday 16th October, 8ED and 8KN visited Birmingham Central Mosque. We learnt about the Muslim religion and their beliefs. As we entered the Mosque, we were politely asked to take our shoes off. This was so that we didn’t damage their beautifully patterned carpets. After, we went into the community room, where lots of books were shelved in the library. Our visit leader, taught us all about the library and the other special events that took place at the Mosque such as: weddings, funerals, charity events and school visits. We also learnt about the biggest Mosque in the world (Great Mosque of Mecca). Then, we were all fascinated by the term, 'ablution’. This is where Muslims wash their body with water before prayer. If you pass wind, fall asleep, bleed, get sick, faint or if a male passes past a female, you have to wash all over again.
Finally, we learnt about the prayer positions and the importance of Allah and the Qur’an. Most of us got involved and tried to do this, which was really fun.
Overall, we had a great morning and it was a valuable experience.
By Jess in 8ED.
Parkside Pupils perform at Dance Festival
On Wednesday 10th April 2019 Parkside Pupils showcased their ideas, choreography and dance skills at South Bromsgrove High School.
They were participating in the North Worcestershire Dance Festival. Well done girls!
Culture Day - 7th December 2018
Vijay (our workshop leader - pictured) was very good at teaching every pupil how to learn the Bhangra dance. A style of danced formed together in the 1940s and has evolved since. It originated as a folk dance celebrated during the time of the harvest. Bhangra is traditionally danced to the dhol instrument, a large drum, and boliyan, short sets of lyrics that describe scenes or stories from Punjab.
The children and staff all had a fantastic day and the buzz for learning around school was amazing.
Thank you for the fantastic efforts of all the pupils who participated in the 2018 Superschools event. The atmosphere was amazing and all the pupils worked hard during the physical activities, showing Alex Grinter what great athletes we have here at Parkside.
British Values and Iconic Music Inspiration Morning
On Wednesday 28th March, we held a British values and iconic music inspiration morning. During this time, each year group focused on the five British values and produced a piece of work expressing why Britain is so great and why diversity and multiculturalism is so important.
For the second half of the morning, each year group were given an iconic band or singer to explore thinking about how they’re creativity and lyrics changed music through the decades. These included: The Spice girls and The Rolling Stones for Year 5; Queen and The Beatles for Year 6; Oasis and Elton John for Year 7; David Bowie and Led Zeppelin for Year 8. The pupils used what they learnt to produce a piece of art celebrating the legends they had explored.
“I really enjoyed learning about what music was like in the 1980’s as my dad always talked about what he listened to when he was young and it was great to hear some of the music he would’ve enjoyed.” (Year 6 pupil)