Developing representation in our curriculum at Powers Hall Academy 

We have been working hard to redesign and develop our curriculum to be as representative of the world and our community as possible. We aim to celebrate diversity and promote acceptance and respect. We want a curriculum that allows our children to regularly learn about, and be inspired by, individuals of all abilities from all backgrounds, cultures, genders, sexualities, religions and ethnicities. It is really important for us as a school, that the celebration of differences is embedded in our lessons and discussed frequently at every opportunity possible throughout the year. Weaving diversity throughout our curriculum is an on-going project.

We strive to promote equality in all that we do so that our children can thrive in an exciting environment and learn to value their own culture and beliefs while respecting those of others. We actively promote self-worth through our PSHE curriculum, assemblies, circle times and house system.

We are in the process of developing diversity and identity curriculum maps so you can see an example of how equality for all learners is embedded into our curriculum.  Whilst Inclusion, identity and diversity are central to all we do, this map will provide an overview of where specific links are made. 

Significant Individuals: 

We want to focus on how the persistence and determination of significant individuals, from all backgrounds, have positively influenced the world in which we live and celebrate their achievements and contributions. We have considered how we can represent a variety of people in all of our subjects.

Challenging Stereotypes:

We want to make sure that we challenge assumptions to broaden our children’s thinking. At Powers Hall Academy, we use carefully chosen images, stories and activities throughout the curriculum to allow the chance to dispel stereotypes.

Diverse Visuals:

We ensure that the visuals we choose are inclusive and diverse throughout the curriculum. Varied visuals also give our children opportunities to raise and discuss ideas that are important to them. This allows our children to explore the world and ask questions in a safe space during the  stage of our curriculum. 

Diverse Texts:

It’s really important that children get to ‘see themselves’ in books, both fiction and non-fiction. Not only should they see themselves but they should also be given the opportunity to see a wide range of people in all sorts of roles including that of the main characters and authors. We have committed to buying new books that continue to diversify our library, book corners and chosen teaching texts to be more inclusive and challenge stereotypes. Our reading curriculum is in the process of being reviewed and refined to ensure diversity is celebrated through the choice of books available for children to read either as a whole class or for reading for pleasure.