My visit to Eastwood Academy in Southend coincided with the school's Cultural Day activities which was unexpected, but great fun.
I was shown around by the new Principal, David Piercy, and Scott Sterling, CEO of the Academy Trust who explained that the school’s Cultural Day is a ‘whole school experience’ and a ‘celebration of diversity and inclusivity’.
I was pleased to see that alongside celebrating other cultures, British culture is recognised and celebrated as the important bedrock of the school, giving pupils from a variety of backgrounds a solid grounding on which to thrive.
David Piercy explained that today is a day where the entire school comes together in a range of stimulating, healthy activities. I sampled foods from around the world, learned about different cuisines, and watched sporting activities such as karate, and musical demonstrations. I was blown away by the display of African drumming and thrilled when I was invited to have a go myself!
Eastwood Academy stages regular Cultural Days to enable teachers and pupils to learn from each other’s different cultural and religious backgrounds and every single pupil takes part. I approved wholeheartedly of the fact that everyone at Eastwood Academy pulls together in pursuit of excellence in the fields of academia, sport and the performing arts. The school is standards driven and it demands exceptional performance from its staff and pupils.
I was particularly impressed with the school’s strict ‘no phones policy’ - which was implemented around 2010 – and which the school says vastly reduces incidences of bullying and unpleasantness in the classroom.
I strongly agree with the school’s view that teachers are its greatest resource, and that the phone ban helps them maintain discipline in the classroom which in turn leads to better behavioral and learning outcomes. I'd like to see more schools implement such an effective policy.
