Values and Ethos

Each student that comes to Westlands does so with an Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP), usually due to social, emotional or mental health (SEMH) needs.

Our ultimate aim is to prepare all our students for smooth transitions into their adult life, increasing their understanding of different environments and challenges. This emphasis begins during the early Key Stage 3 phase of their learning experiences and continues to develop with greater emphasis through Key Stage 4. Students experience a range of academic and social opportunities and experiences as they move through school towards their post-16 life.

We foster mutual respect through a series of competitive sports links and a pro-active PSHE curriculum. We feel it is important that young people develop a sense of pride and knowledge about British values and they are promoted throughout the school.  All staff are trained in the Prevent strategy, ensuring that any early indicators of radicalisation are dealt with and that we all actively promote social cohesion.

The Academy offers the curriculum equally to all students regardless of gender, cultural background, race or religion. With the modified and personalised curriculum that we offer we are able to provide all students equal access to the curriculum regardless of their learning difficulties, language difficulties, medical or physical difficulties or social attitudes.

The rule of law is also promoted through our curriculum (including e-safety) and as part of our work with the wider community. We have excellent links with the local police, regular visits from the Fire Service and connections with many other services and agencies that provide support for our students.

To ensure the students receive the best education, our trained staff undergoes a series of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) sessions to enhance the support we offer. Sessions include developing skills in understanding the effects of Attachment Disorder and ensuring that we offer a Trauma Informed Practice. We understand the how to ensure students who have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and those who demonstrate differing levels of Autism are successful in school. Recent CPD has also included how to understand behaviour that challenges, the reasons behind this and how support, such as occupational therapy (OT) and emotion coaching, can improve the individual's opportunities to learn.

The SHAPE Curriculum

Westlands is committed to ensuring that our students benefit from our whole-academy approach to education using the SHAPE curriculum. By embedding the ethos of this approach, we are able to make sure that our students are aspiring and resilient members of society when they leave us.

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