Links to strategies

SLN’s philosophy and approach to community cohesion is broad and inclusive, and it reflects current research and strategy. It sits comfortably with, and is informed by, many current educational initiatives and priorities, including Every Child Matters, SEAL, PREVENT and others (see below).

Every Child Matters

SLN contributes to the five outcomes of Every Child Matters (listed below) by developing confidence, thinking and communication skills, self-awareness and self-esteem:

  • Be Healthy
  • Stay Safe
  • Enjoy and Achieve
  • Achieve Economic Well-being
  • Make a Positive Contribution

Case study – ECM Cheshire

The National Curriculum

In addition to supporting individual subjects in the National Curriculum, SLN directly supports the fourth strand of the Citizenship curriculum, ‘Identity and Diversity, Living Together in the UK’.

Case study – Citizenship MUN

The Global Dimension

By exploring identity, diversity, equality and community in our projects, we provide an opportunity to explore the eight concepts of the Global Dimension:

  • Global Citizenship
  • Conflict Resolution
  • Social Justice
  • Values and Perceptions
  • Sustainable Development
  • Interdependence
  • Human Rights
  • Diversity

Case study – Global Dimension

Creativity

SLN uses and endorses the use of creative practice to explore issues of identity, diversity, equality and community. Creativity is fully inclusive and allows all participants to find their voice through creative media. Creativity also supports the connection between affective and cognitive learning processes.

Case study – Dosti

Who Do We Think We Are?

The Who Do We Think We Are project is funded and supported by the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF). WDWTWA is a programme for schools that facilitates the exploration of identity and diversity. The WDWTWA themes, which are listed below, fit well with SLN’s approach to community cohesion.

WDWTWA themes:

  • Schools and Community
  • History and Settlement
  • Relationship, Belonging and Faith
  • Britishness, National Identity/Values and the 2012 Games

Case study – Bradford Matters.

Case study – Storytelling

SEAL

SLN also supports and builds on the social and emotional aspects of learning by providing rich social experiences supported by structured reflective practice. SEAL focuses on five social and emotional aspects of learning listed below, and these are closely allied with SLN’s linking work.

Social and emotional aspects of learning (SEAL):

  • Self-awareness
  • Managing Feelings
  • Motivation
  • Empathy
  • Social Skills

Case study – Reflections

Personalised Learning

SLN engages with individuals by understanding how each young person responds to who they are and what is around them in a structured, reflective and personalised way.

Learning outside the classroom

SLN provides exciting and interesting opportunities to work in partnership with museums, galleries, sports venues, places of worship and outdoor activity centres.

Case study – Learning Outside the Classroom

Preventing violent extremism

SLN helps to strengthen communities through our work in identity and diversity, resulting in stronger relationships and bonds, better understandings and ways to develop open discussion about controversial issues.

Case study – Umbrellas for Peace