Rise Park Junior School

Multicultural Policy

At this school we aim to promote understanding of multiculturalism and combat racial discrimination. (see: Racial Equality Policy)

Why have multicultural education?

Multicultural education aims to help children in our school to celebrate and appreciate the diversity of cultures and societies. In the realisation that we are interdependent of each other. We value all pupils equally and we value and respect each other, whatever our different races, languages, cultures or religions.

What are the aims of multicultural education?

• To understand the world in which we live and the interdependence of individuals, groups, nations and different environments.

• To understand and value the diversity of British society.

• To promote self-esteem, pride in one’s own heritage and to foster respect for those from different backgrounds who have different ways of life.

• To develop in pupils, attitudes which recognise and challenge prejudice.

• To work co-operatively and harmoniously, showing thought for other citizens and developing appropriate skills when interacting with others.

• To prepare children to take a full part in our British society, which is multicultural and culturally diverse.

How does this affect our school practices?

• We value all our pupils equally and try to accommodate their individual needs.

• We plan lessons, which give pupils opportunities to relate positively to the diversity of British society.

• We monitor the progress and attainment of all pupils, analysing group patterns and trends to identify underachievement so that early intervention strategies can be employed where appropriate.

• We deliver citizenship and PSHE across the curriculum and through Collective Worship and weekly Circle Time in each class.

• Our learning resources reflect positive images and breadth of cultures.

• We support pupils in providing for their individual special needs relating to their home culture and tradition eg. If a child is fasting.

• Our RE syllabus follows the Havering agreed syllabus, agreed by governors.

• Collective Worship considers moral and cultural aspects of world faiths.

• We make a conscious effort to reflect cultural diversity and show positive images from Black, Asian and European backgrounds in our displays and posters.

• We challenge expressions of racist behaviour. Our school community follows procedures that are laid out in the school’s Racial Equality Policy.

What are our priorities for the year ahead?

• Monitor the multicultural policy.

• Encourage parents from all groups to attend Parents’ Evenings.

• Ensure school displays and posters reflect cultural diversity.

• Continue to purchase Library books, which reflect multiculturalism.

• Continue to purchase multicultural musical instruments as necessary.

• Ensure that art posters and themes reflect both the Western and Non Western European communities.

• Ensure that Collective Worship encompasses multi-cultural themes and characters.

• Identify multicultural books and resources across the curriculum, which will support planned units in the Schemes of Work.

This policy will be reviewed and evaluated annually.

January 2006