Ethos & Values
Our motto of 'Pride in Lancaster' encapsulates the ethos of our Academy where every individual is encouraged and supported to do the best they can and be the best that they can be, and tells of the positive experience our students have, both inside and outside of the classroom.
Underpinning this are a range of curriculum topics which develop students’ understanding of what it means to be a citizen in modern Britain. Through our taught curriculum and extracurricular provision we offer a range of opportunities for our students to engage with the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs; the students develop and demonstrate skills and attitudes that will allow them to participate fully in and contribute positively to life in modern Britain.
'Pride in Lancaster' and our academy pledge places particular emphasis on mutual respect and tolerance.
We take pride in our promotion of democracy, freedom and the rule of law as evidenced through our academy council and student leadership opportunities. Students see the democratic process in action and are heavily involved in making decisions, hearing students' speeches, challenging opinion and ultimately exercising their democratic right to vote. During lessons students are given the opportunity to learn about how modern Britain has been shaped to become the tolerant country that it is today; in Personal Social and Health Education (PSHE) and History, amongst others.
Developing careers guidance process encourages students to think about developing the skills and attitudes that will enable them to continue to participate fully and make a positive contribution to life in modern Britain. Students are given regular opportunities to consider the skills they will need to be successful in the modern world and 1:1 interviews with a Connexions careers advisor helps them to choose the most appropriate post 16 pathway which suits their talents and abilities.
Pride in Lancaster identifies that we want our students to value and be inspired to: Preparedness, Resilience, Integrity, Diversity and Enterprise.
As part of our commitment to developing our students appreciation of British values, we also ensure that our Spiritual, Social, Moral and Cultural development programme underpins both the taught and wider curriculum. Our programme of assemblies, shaped by our inclusive ethos, are there to inspire students and encourage them to become thoughtful, compassionate, tolerant and successful individuals. In addition, our Religious Education curriculum supports British values in a variety of different ways. Through following the Curriculum document Leicester Agreed Syllabus -Harmony and Diversity we aim for our students to acquire and develop knowledge and understanding of Christianity and the other principal Religions in the UK, including Sikhism, Hinduism and Islam and other religions as appropriate. This addresses, amongst others, the values of democracy and Human Rights, with the aim that students are able to respectfully disagree and understand there may be different contesting views.
Ensuring the welfare, health and safety of the young people at Lancaster is paramount, and this is evident not only in our Health and Safety and Behaviour Policies, but also that we hold the Anti-bullying award.
Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural (SMSC)
The academic, personal development and well-being of every student in our academy is of paramount importance to us here at The Lancaster Academy. This includes understanding the importance of providing a range of opportunities for our students that supports their spiritual, moral, social and cultural development (SMSC).
SMSC provision at Lancaster is supported by our academy ethos and values, and through the contributions of every curriculum subject.
Our academy ethos of excellence underpins the promotion of SMSC through:
- Ensuring individuals feel valued and where personal endeavour and responsibility are encouraged and rewarded.
- High levels of morale and confidence and a model of professional standards and leadership.
- Strong pastoral support for students and staff, including effective support to families and liaison with outside agencies.
- Good behaviour supported by policies and practice which promote self-discipline and responsible attitudes.
- A sense of community throughout the academy, and strong links between the academy, local schools and the wider community.
- A well maintained learning environment fully compliant with Health and Safety legislation; with grounds, building, and equipment and learning resource conducive to students’ learning.
- A commitment to opportunities for learning outside the classroom.
- A pride in fair and competitive, sporting participation in local and national competitions.
- A recognised success in regular, ongoing support of a range of local and national charities.
It is very important to us to excel in academically and offer a sense of community throughout the Academy and within the wider community in order to help our students to reach their full potential. The promotion of spiritual, moral, social and cultural development in particular raises confidence, self-esteem, motivation and leads to better learning. We are dedicated to empowering our students to be confident, healthy, happy and thoughtful people who are able to make informed choices and decisions. We are very proud of our Academy, its students and staff, and take every opportunity to celebrate its achievements and successes. We celebrate them through assemblies, our regular newsletter, prize giving evenings, our website, parental contact, and in the media. At the heart of everything we do is the belief that students need to enjoy their time at school and, when they leave, be prepared to live as independent a life as possible whilst being responsible citizens.
SMSC is evident in all areas of the Lancaster Academy; in classrooms and corridors, on our sports fields and in the way we interact with the Leicester community.