Cultural Capital Our mantra ”Where the World Comes to School” is our motto and belief. We are passionate about cultural opportunities in the form of Festivals, Democracy, Debates, Celebrations and an in-depth promotion, understanding and appreciation of Heritage ultimately offering equality of opportunity and diversity across the school. We appreciate and promote differences in the world and its people, celebrating the things we share in common across cultural, religious, ethnic and socio-economic communities. We provide rich experiences through an extensive extra-curricular programme that enables students to be confident, resilient and independent, and to develop strength of character. We work to enhance pupil’s spiritual, moral, social and cultural development across the school. At the Sydney Russell School we recognise not only the importance of allowing students to flourish academically but also our wider role in preparing them for their adult life beyond school.  Part of that preparation is ensuring that we promote and reinforce British values in our students.  The government set out its definition of British values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy and considered them to be: democracy, rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs. At The Sydney Russell School these values are taught specifically but also underpin every aspect of school life.  The examples that follow are an indication of some of the many ways we seek to embed British values at the Sydney Russell School and should be seen as an indication of our approach rather than an exhaustive list. Our extra-curricular programme offers meaningful opportunities to be responsible, respectful, active citizens that contribute positively to the school, to society and the wider world. Pupils are exposed to discussions and debates, issues and idea through our Democracy Wall, Debating and our Citizenship curriculum. Our Cultural Capital is rich and all-encompassing.  At Sydney Russell School we are passionate to offer all students every opportunity to experience cultural capital in as a many forms as possible.  We strongly believe cultural capital unlocks creative energy and opens a student’s eyes to a world of artistic and social possibilities. We feel it unlocks other vital skills ensuring students are well-rounded, focused and open-minded, a must for future education and career paths. Enrichment We offer an extensive Personal Development programme, encompassing opportunities for students to develop their talents and interests alongside their academic pathway. Our mission is to ensure that every student, no matter their background or situation, is given equal opportunity to experience cultural capital. We have a relentless focus on improvement and measure our success by the achievement of all our students and our belief is that no student should be left behind.  Our Enrichment programme provides a wide range of opportunities to nurture, develop and stretch pupils’ talents and interests.  It encompasses Performing Arts, Debate, House Cup, Heritage, Elite Sports Squad, Football Academy, Culture Council, Student Council, Mock Trials and Mock UN. These work in tandem to offer a wide and extensive range of Enrichment opportunities for our Students. The Arts We offer an extensive Arts programme, encompassing opportunities for students to develop their talents and interests alongside their academic pathway. Our mission is to ensure that every student, no matter their background or situation, is given equal opportunity to experience cultural capital. We have a relentless focus on improvement and measure our success by the achievement of all our students and our belief is that no student should be left behind.  Our Arts programme provides a wide range of opportunities to nurture, develop and stretch pupils’ talents and interests.  It encompasses Performing Arts, Art, Drama and Music, Culture Council and Young Photographers. We are currently working in partnership with the Barbican, The White House, Valence House, which provide a wide range of workshops for our students. These work in tandem to offer a wide and extensive range of Art opportunities. Sport Sport is at the heart of Sydney Russell School, we are offering an extensive Sport programme that ensures that there is something for everyone. As part of this ideal we introduced a dedicated sports director who has developed strong links with external professional clubs and local organisations which is beginning to open doors to a professional level of sport for our students. The range of sport on offer includes, Handball, Basketball, Rugby, Netball, Table Tennis, Athletics, Volleyball, Football. There are also leadership opportunities for our students where they can train to become coaches. We are very proud of our Elite Sports Squad which is made of elite athletes who are dedicated to healthy lifestyle and sport. They recently exceeded our high expectations when raising over £7000 for a good cause in charity events. Often running a series of grand events for our Primary, Secondary and other schools in the borough, they have become a litmus for all other schools and their sporting drive. The Sydney Russell School Football Academy has officially kicked off with a strong representation in both Borough and National competitions, always representing our school with pride. The Sydney Russell School is the place to be for any student passionate about sport. The Health and Wellbeing of students is of the utmost importance.  As well as ensuring that students feel safe within the school environment by offering guidance, advice and nurturing environments, our inclusion policy ensures that every student receives the same opportunities to broaden their horizons and increase their circle of friends, through clubs and events,  ensuring their confidence and social skills grow. House The Sydney Russell School prides itself on our very active House System, established in 2017,  whereby all staff and students are assigned to one of five houses.  The Five Houses are CENTAUR, DRAGON, GRIFFIN, PEGASUS and PHOENIX, they each have very strong identities and the students proudly wear their House badges on their blazers.     Each House has two House Captains per year,  their responsibilities begin with promoting events to fellow students and culminates in them taking part in and leading teams in those events.  This promotes student leadership and responsibility which we … Continue reading PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT