Page 33 - Handbook for House Staff Aug2024

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A Summary of Malvern College’s Response to Black Lives Matter and Related Issues
Pupil leadership is crucial in generating a culture of respect which is grounded in the Malvern qualities of kindness, open- mindedness and self-awareness. We understand that there is a link between low level behavioural issues and more serious issues. We are trying to nurture a ‘speak up culture’ where all members of the community are comfortable to raise issues and to discuss them. We realise that we need to be vigilant and to constantly work at this. We recognise the responsibilities of all staff to educate pupils and to protect them. Staff are important role models, and we need to engage all members of the school community, including parents. We are aware that all children will make mistakes and our disciplinary responses are grounded in education and reflection. A lot of negative behaviour manifests itself online and we are working to improve our education in this area. We need to build better listening mechanisms to improve our awareness of pupil experiences. This is a summary of actions so far:
• Discussion at several Thrive meetings to discuss proactive pastoral care – attended by large numbers of pupils and staff. Open and vibrant meetings.
• Black Students Union (BSU) was set up by senior pupils. They meet regularly with the Senior Deputy Head and Deputy Head Pastoral.
• This BSU has regularly drawn up a programme of activities including chapel services, film nights (e.g. The Hate U Give).
• There have been BSU meetings with Deputy Head Curriculum to review the curriculum.
• Disciplinary incidents have been discussed in general terms with the BSU. Pupils feel that the focus should be on education.
• A reflective booklet was produced by BSU for education of pupils involved in racist incidents. Pupils will read this booklet if they are in detention for a racist incident. This will help them to complete their reflection form.
• Start-of-term briefings to all pupils during Headmaster’s Assemblies. Reminder of rules and behaviour expectations. Emphasis on speak-up culture. Reminder of people that pupils can speak to e.g. DSL team, counsellors, HouseM, tutors, independent listeners etc.
• Whisper. An anonymous way for pupils to raise issues and to alert the safeguarding team.
• Emphasis and discussion of these issues in L6th Leadership training sessions.
• The Life Skills curriculum is continuously reviewed by Mrs Andrews (Head of Life Skills) and Mr Faulkner.
• Heads of Houses (boys and girls) often visit all Houses to discuss the issues of racist, homophobic and sexist language.
• Staff INSET (teaching and House staff) by Dr Charlie Easmon from the McLellan Practice: – 19th April 2021 – the History of Prejudice
– 7th May 2021 – practical strategies in College
• Staff INSET with Chloe Combi and workshops with Remove pupils. Please see ‘Report into Malvern College Remove Pupils: Insights and Recommendations’.