NEWS


Education group welcomes Government academy faith schools’ discrimination U-turn


The Accord Coalition for Inclusive Education has welcomed the Government's decision not to remove the cap that prevents faith free schools in England from selecting more than half of their pupils on faith grounds but criticised its intention to instead open local authority-maintained faith schools that can still discriminate by faith when selecting all their pupils. Chair of the Accord Coalition, the Reverend


Stephen Terry said, “The 50% religious selection cap at faith free schools has been working well for several years and signalled that all schools should be trying to bring people of different religious and ethnic backgrounds together. It was an important statement that the Government was taking social cohesion more seriously in our increasingly diverse society, so it is a welcome victory that the cap will be retained. “However, it is very disappointing that the


Government wishes to exploit a loophole in its own policy and help open local authority- maintained faith schools that can discriminate by faith when selecting all their pupils. It is clear that integration, not segregation, is the best way forward both for the children concerned and society at large. “The move to open fully discriminatory schools,


but by a different route, will encourage more ghettoisation in the school system. This is a regressive move that panders to those who wish to isolate pupils of their faith from wider society.”


Beech Hall School embarks on educational challenge


Pupils at Beech Hall School have been put through their paces during a three- day educational expedition in Keswick, Cumbria. Young explorers in Year 3 to 9,


travelled from the Tytherington-based school to the Lake District where they were challenged to develop their skills and abilities with a range of stimulating and demanding tasks. The Beech Hall cohort pushed


themselves to the limit with adrenaline- fuelled activities, conquering their fears. Pupils tackled the open water when canoeing, scaled the heights of rock climbing walls, abseiled and Ghyll Walked, which included climbing waterfalls, sliding down rock-festooned rivers and crawling through tunnels. After the tiring yet rewarding days,


the group indulged in hot chocolates to reflect on their achievements, before older members of the team set up camp and endured the cold weather and windy conditions throughout the night.


Headmaster James Allen commented:


“Everyone had a fantastic and exhilarating three days exploring the wonders of the Lake District whilst embarking on an educational journey. Spending time participating in the varied range of activities gave the group the opportunity to challenge themselves, developing independence and resilience. “We have witnessed examples of mutual


support, teamwork, friendship and individual determination during the trip, very much underpinning our core values at Beech Hall.”


uwww.beechhallschool.org uwww.accordcoalition.org.uk


Falcons Prep raises £2,500 with spectacular art display


Pupils from Falcons Preparatory School for Boys have raised £2,500 for a children’s charity, with an art exhibition showcasing their creativity. The budding-artists selected their best pieces to display during the vibrant


evening held at the Richmond-based school, on Tuesday 8 May. Special guest and award-winning illustrator Tor Freeman, officially opened


the exhibition to welcome parents, friends and family to view the spectacular artwork on display. Tor is a freelance illustrator, author and comic make and has produced many books for children. In preparation for the event, pupils worked collectively to create a large


canvas painting which was sold in a traditional silent auction raising money for the school’s selected charity, The Wooden Spoon. Inspired by the roots of rugby, the charity seeks to fund a number of projects each year, supporting disadvantaged and disabled children. Various art styles were on display by many artists past and present. Head of Art and Design at Falcons Preparatory School for Boys, Isabella Broadbent, commented: “The exhibition showcased an exceptional array of


8 www.education-today.co.uk


artwork by our pupils, which highly impressed our visitors and special guest, Tor Freeman. “To raise £2,500 in one event was a fantastic achievement and we are


delighted to be able to support the charity further.” uwww.falconsprep.co.uka


May 2018


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