On 18th October, there was a celebration event for 11 additional Newcastle schools receiving the School of Sanctuary Award.
Last year a number of schools put in applications to become recognised Schools of Sanctuary and 11 additional schools were recently awarded and are part of the growing network of schools committed to creating a culture of welcome and inclusion for people seeking sanctuary.
Videos of school pupils, staff and supporters have been shared on social media and these and details of the work being undertaken across Newcastle and how to get involved are available on the Newcastle Schools of Sanctuary webpage here.
Work of the existing Schools of Sanctuary in Newcastle, as well as those working towards their awards have looked at a variety of things as part of the process, including:
- looking at their existing curriculum and weaving in themes relating to refugees and forced displacement
- looking at the school library and having an area dedicated to books about refugees, asylum seekers and human rights
- making resources available to staff; school staff completing the Newcastle City of Sanctuary training module
- building in learning about refugees and asylum seekers into staff inductions and ongoing training.
- how the schools support new arrivals with schemes set up such as EAL buddies for new arrivals who have English as an additional language, Language of the Month and Parent English Classes
- displays set up in schools promoting Welcome
We congratulate all of the schools who go above and beyond to welcome people seeking sanctuary, this includes:
- Atkinson Road Primary School
- Bridgewater Primary School
- Broadwood Primary School
- Central Walker Primary School
- Christ Church CE Primary School
- Hawthorn Primary School
- Hotspur Primary School
- Our Lady and St Annes Catholic Primary School
- St Catherines Catholic Primary School
- St Michael’s RC Primary School
- Walkergate Primary School
- Wingrove Primary School
- West Walker Primary School