The Summer Term has been another busy and exciting one for Beliefs and Values, with plenty of opportunities for students to celebrate culture, reflect on important issues and explore big ideas. Here’s a look back at some of the highlights!
Culture Week
We kicked off the term by creating a school poem called “Our Priestnall” to use during this year’s Culture Week. Students were asked in their forms to create a verse of the poem, summarising the different cultures here at Priestnall. Once all the verses were completed, the poem was finalised and unveiled during the Culture Week assemblies.
The students then created a Culture Jar display, drawing images and symbols that represented their culture and heritage inside a jar template. These are now on display alongside the poem to showcase the diverse cultures we have here at Priestnall.
As part of our Culture Week celebrations, staff and students engaged in a wide range of activities. We explored historical cultures, created woven artwork, debated philosophical questions, investigated untranslatable words, and took part in hoops and hip-hop!
To round off the week, staff dressed in clothing that represented their culture or heritage. This was paired with Bhangra drummers at lunchtime, providing a fantastic opportunity for students to listen, watch and dance along. It was the perfect way to end Culture Week 2026!
Mental Health Awareness Week
We then commemorated Mental Health Awareness Week and promoted this year’s theme, Action.
In conjunction with students’ Beliefs and Values lessons, assemblies and Cornerstones encouraged students to take actionable steps to support their mental health through Mental Health Pledges.
Staff also pledged to Wear It Green to help raise awareness of mental health and show their support.
Pride Month
During the month of June we recognised Pride Month, celebrating the inclusivity and diversity we have here at Priestnall. We held Pride assemblies led by the Pride Group, during which students explored allyship and shared a poem about being proud of their identities.
Students also took part in a rainbow teddy bear scavenger hunt, as well as completing do-now activities in each subject about a key LGBTQ+ figure connected to that area of study.
On Thursday 18th June, we held Pride Day, where staff dressed in the colours of the rainbow and students wore their House t-shirts to mark the occasion. We also held a Pride Party in the library, featuring music, crafts and lots of stickers!
Philosophy and Ethics Club
During the summer term, the Philosophy and Ethics Club has been engaging in some lively debate! This elective made a comeback from last year due to high demand and has enticed even more students than before.
Discussions have included the Ship of Theseus, artificial intelligence, whether altruism is selfish and how to run a country. The elective allows students from Year 7 to Year 10 to discuss ideas respectfully and collaboratively while harnessing their natural curiosity.
Apologies to anyone at home who has had a student throw a philosophical question at them halfway through dinner!
As another successful year for Beliefs and Values comes to a close, we’d like to thank all staff and students who have taken part in our activities and events. We look forward to another year of learning, discussion and celebration in September!