Gold Equalities Award
We are beyond proud that our core values are so embedded that it has been awarded not one but twice GOLD standard with the Equaliteach Equalities award- around only 4 schools Nationally have achieved this.
The award scheme provides support and guidance for schools to promote diversity and showcase commitment to equality, foster good community relations, and support children in adapting to the wonderful world around them.
For our first award, then Deputy Mayor of Sandwell Councillor Richard Jones and the borough’s then education Councillor Karen Simms called in to join in the celebrations.
Councillor Jones said: “It’s a real testament to the students and staff at Ferndale that not only are they only one of ten schools nationwide that earned this award but that they did so in less than half the time of most is exceptional. I congratulate them all.”
Ferndale’s head Ruth Gillett said: “This award shows how the importance the school and our students place on being a fair and safe place to learn and develop without fear of discrimination and with opportunity for all regardless of gender or of cultural, national or religious background.”
Schools taking part aspire to attain bronze, silver and gold awards to allow schools to work at an achievable level and build on a commitment to equality over time. There are opportunities to progress through the levels as programmes develop.
Challenging Stereotypes
To support our children’s experiences, we devised a whole programme through which we invite people from various fields, such as an historian, a scientist, sports people, musicians, MPs, CEOS, people from all walks of life to come into the school to talk to the children about not putting a ceiling on their future career expectations. Our curriculum drivers of Aspiration, Inspiration and Inclusion mean that we want our children to challenge traditional views of what these job roles may ‘look like’.
