Protected Characteristics
We work to ensure that our children understand that:
There are no outsiders at William Harding School
Everyone is different
We celebrate our differences
We are all equal in our differences
The Equality Act became law in 2010. It covers everyone in Britain and protects people from discrimination, harassment and victimisation. Everyone in Britain is protected. This is because the Equality Act protects people against discrimination because of the protected characteristics that we all have.
No form of discrimination is tolerated at William Harding School and all members of our school community show respect for those who share the protected characteristics.
Under the Equality Act, there are nine Protected Characteristics:
Age
Disability
Gender reassignment
Race
Religion or belief
Marriage or civil partnership
Sex
Sexual orientation
Pregnancy and maternity
What does it look like for my child?
At William Harding School we recognise how important it is that all children gain an understanding of the world that they are growing up in and show respect for a diverse range of people. We want our children to be prepared for their future lives in 21st century Britain. We actively promote the protected characteristics in our curriculum and work to embed them into our ethos.
The teaching of protected characteristics can feel like a very daunting thing for a parent, as some of the content may feel inappropriate for primary age children. However, all content is taught using age-appropriate language and in a child-friendly way to start to teach the children these important concepts that will follow them through life.
The 9 Protected Characteristics are actively promoted in school through:
Our school ethos
Our school values - respect, collaboration, responsibility, inclusion and honesty
Our school behaviour policy
Conscious role modelling by all adults in the school community
Active engagement and communication with parents and carers
Promotion of British Values and SMSC across the school community
Discussion within curriculum subjects, taking a cross-curricular approach
Promoting articulation by building developing oracy and vocabulary across all subject areas
Personal, Social, Health and Economic education (PSHE) sessions
Religious Education (RE) lessons and RSE lessons
Sporting competitions, festivals and opportunities
Pupil Voice e.g. School Councillors
Reading through a range of authors and genres
Scientists, historians, artists, poets, engineers and designers who represent the protected characteristics are embedded within the curriculum and through focused learning days
Educational visits
Debates that help explore the wider world
Our Us, Community, Culture and the World Focused Learning Days
Our Focused Learning Days e.g. DLD Day, Black History Month, Careers Days
Pupil Leaders e.g. Eco Warriors, House Captains, Sports Leaders, Peer Mentors
Guest speakers and visitors from the wider community
Extra-curricular activities, after-school clubs,
charity work and our volunteering curriculum
Displays and resources demonstrating equality
We firmly believe that embedding Protected Characteristics into the whole school ethos promotes:
Self-esteem, self-knowledge and self-confidence of everyone in our school community
Respect for democracy and support for participation in the democratic process will be raised
Acceptance of responsibility for their own behaviour
Respect for their own and other cultures
Understanding of how people can contribute positively to school and to the lives of those living and working in the local community and beyond
An understanding of Equality, Human Rights and Protected Characteristics
An understanding of how citizens can influence decision-making through the democratic process
An appreciation that living under the rule of law protects individual citizens and is essential for their wellbeing and safety of all
An understanding that the freedom to choose and hold other faiths and beliefs is protected in law
An acceptance that other people having different faiths or beliefs should be accepted and tolerated, and should not be the cause of prejudicial or discriminatory behaviour
An understanding of the importance of identifying and combating discrimination