At St Luke’s, we provide a programme of education that not only includes knowledge and skills in a range of subjects, but promotes the spiritual, moral, social, cultural, mental and physical development of children at the school. We expect children to identify and celebrate both commonalities and differences while ensuring that bullying, harassment and violence are never tolerated. The curriculum and school’s wider work supports children to be confident, resilient and independent, and to develop strength of character.

Our Ofsted outcome clearly states that, “They (pupils) are considerate of others and show respect, tolerance and understanding.” As well as “pupils have a strong sense of equality.”

The teaching of current affairs in school plays a key role in achieving this, preparing the children for life in modern Britain and teaching the children how they should live full and flourishing lives. Aligning with both the Church of England’s Vision for Education and our school’s Values and Ethos

“Teach children how they should live, and they will remember it all their life.”

Proverbs 22:6

At St Luke’s, this does mean that the children will learn about death and conflict both historical and current. Sometime this will be covered as part of the School Curriculum, for example in the teaching of the human life cycle, the life of King Henry VIII or the Easter story and the death of Jesus Christ. There are also times when this will be addressed in Worship or PSHE, for example the UK riots in the summer of 2024.

When delivering this content in school, either in classes or with other schools in live events, it is always done with the age of the children in mind and with an understanding that there will be a range of experiences and exposure to these events that the children have had. In the coverage of current affairs, we will also ensure that the wider message or context of such teaching is focused on the positive work that is being done as a result of such incidents or looking at how we as a school community can be Agents of Change for good.

While parents will have a preference on how they approach certain topics with their children, in a school setting it is key that all children have the correct information about events and that misinformation does not circulate. Children will talk about what they have seen, even in passing, and we encourage them to share their views and knowledge so that we can gain an understanding of the work that we need to do.