Week 1: What are the features of an inclusive school?
6. Creating an inclusive ethos
The ‘ethos’ of a school is determined by the values and attitudes of those that work there. This course takes the view that ‘ethos’ and ‘culture’ will mean different things to different people and cannot be imposed from outside. Rather, they ‘emerge’ from actions, roles and structures within the organisation. In Week 2, the focus will be on ‘how’ to create an inclusive ethos and culture which is seen as ‘inclusive’ by a wide range of people – what roles, policies, ways of working and structures are required? In Week 2 you will consider some examples, in detail.
Activity 1.5: Creating an inclusive ethos and cultureYou are advised to spend 40 mins on this activity Think about a school with which you are familiar. This might be where you work, where you have worked in the past, or a school that you support in some way, as a District Official or member of the Management Committee. In your study notebook, write down what you know about the ‘ethos’ of that school. What are the ‘lived values’? What do they celebrate? How are they perceived in the community? Write down any roles, policies or ways of working that are evident in that school, that you think help create an inclusive ethos and culture. For example, there might be assemblies which celebrate the achievement of pupils, a dedicated ‘head of inclusion’, regular training for teachers, opportunities for parents to come into school. Pick out two factors that you think are particularly effective in contributing to an inclusive ethos and culture and describe them on the Week 1 forum. Comment on at least two other posts. |