In personal development assemblies, students have been learning about and celebrating British Values all week, with pupils demonstrating their understanding of Rule of Law, Democracy, Mutual Respect and Tolerance and Individual Liberty. One year 10 student summed it up best when she explained that British Values were about “being who you want to be.”

SMSC continues to play a huge role in Sandhill View as we move into the autumn. Engagement in SMSC lessons has been fantastic again, with students in all year groups contributing to discussions on a wide range of topics. Year 9 students have been learning about healthy relationships and consent among other subjects, and have been making insightful and perceptive comments. One student expressed the opinion that, “when you communicate – that’s a healthy relationship. When you do not you are not safe.” Another managed to explain consent in very succinct terms: “If consent is not given, just deal with it.”

Meanwhile, in year 10, students have been engaging in discussions about alcohol and drugs and the impact these things can have on a person’s mental health. Mature debates also took place around the negative impact of the media upon people’s mental health, including a frank discussion about the tragic suicides of people associated with the TV show, Love Island. Yet again, Sandhill View pupils conducted these debates with the highest levels of maturity and sensitivity.