Pupil Discussion/Voice 2024

In Team Phoenix, the children make links to their PSHE unit on families and friends with differences. Across the curriculum, they explored experiences of people around the world and how families have different ways of living. 

We talked about the image of the boxes - see below. 

The children (Y4/5) understood the concept of EQUITY v EQUALITY and began to think of examples around our school of this in action. 

Examples around school from the pupils:

"We have opportunities for Girls' football, Boys' football and Mixed football."

"I have a fiddle cube, which is an emotion thing and it is a block thing to stop my hands being fidgety.

"I have reminders from teachers help me to concentrate."

" I have a card that I can show on the desk, or show it to the TA and I get to leave the room for breather to a chair, then I go back. If times get stressful, I can have a snack."

"Let's say I'm sad on the playground, there's always someone to come up to me and ask if I want to join in; or do you want some personal space?" 

"I would ask if I could go in the Den - I would have a 'calm box' and fiddle with whatever was in there. This would take my mind off all the things that are happening in the world. I would come back out when I was ready."

"I have hair bobbles that I'm allowed to fiddle with."

Other examples:

Adaptive teaching - matching adaptations with needs - e.g. children may sit on a chair, rather than the carpet due to emotional, sensory, or physical needs. 

Pupil Voice - May 2024

As EDI Lead, I like to talk with different year groups about their experiences around PSHE and EDI. 

Today, I had an amazing chat with two Y5 children, who gave me a good insight into their awareness of EDI.

What is your understanding of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion?

- "Not judging people for who they are."

- "Treat everyone with respect."

Can you think of any groups of people who might be judged unfairly?

- "Black people - but that would be racism."

- "Brown-skinned people - but this is getting so much better. We watched a programme about when they couldn't even vote."

- "People's looks - they way they dress."

- "Boys and girls; male and female."

- "Younger people or older people."

- "People with autism."

- "People with dyslexia - although you can't see that."

- "People who are making bad decisions, but don't think they are."

- "Homeless."

- "People with strange jobs."

- "People with disabilities can sometimes get left out."

- "People who aren't as good at doing something as others."

It is through healthy discussions, that these 'thoughts' can be explored, challenged and addressed. 

At Hampsthwaite, we openly refer to our SCHOOL VALUES when discussing such issues.

Children can make reference to them all when talking about different groups of people:

SUPPORT

BELIEF

FRIENDSHIP

CREATIVITY

RESPECT

Our motto is ENJOY, ACHIEVE, FLOURISH and our children know that everyone should have the chance to do this, regardless of their uniqueness.