Respecting Beliefs About Marriage: what the new same-sex marriage laws mean for schools

Following the new law, a 28 page document has been written called 'Respecting beliefs
about marriage'. A brief summary of this is available below along with a quote from the Secretary of State for Education, Mr Michael Gove.

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At-a-glance summary

• There is no legal obligation on any primary school to teach sex education or to teach about same-sex marriage.
• Under guidance relating to Sex and Relationships Education, children in maintained secondary schools must learn the nature of marriage and its importance for family life.
• 'The nature of marriage' may include teaching children that same-sex marriage has been legalised in England and Wales.
• Teaching in this area should be sensitive to the backgrounds of the pupils and their parents, and also the beliefs of staff.
• Secondary schools are used to dealing with controversial issues in the curriculum, such as political opinions or moral issues like abortion. This is another example of a controversial issue.
• Church schools, or any school with a religious ethos, can continue to teach their beliefs about marriage in line with their legal foundation.
• Other schools in the state sector could be breaking the law if they go beyond factual information and advocate a particular belief about marriage.
• All teaching materials should be appropriate to the pupils’ age and religious or cultural background.
• Schools should work in partnership with parents, giving parents the information they need for meaningful consultation.
• Schools have a duty to make sure pupils and members of staff are not bullied, or subjected to any other detriment, for their beliefs about marriage.
• In an appropriate context, a teacher may express a personal opinion about marriage, provided it is done in a reasonable manner.
• In the current climate, the courts have referred to views regarding same-sex marriage as political views. Schools are under a duty to secure balanced treatment of political issues.
• The code of conduct for teachers in England requires teachers to show “tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs”.
• The courts have ruled that a belief in marriage as the union of a man and a woman is a belief “worthy of respect in a democratic society”.
• It is unlawful to discriminate against a teacher on the basis of sexual orientation, or on the basis of belief for or against same-sex marriage.
• An Employment Tribunal claim could be brought against a school by a teacher who suffered discrimination because of his or her beliefs about marriage.

“…it is perfectly clear that there will be no requirement on any teacher to promote a view or doctrine with which they feel any discomfort… There is a key difference between denying a fact and a law of the land - if the Bill passes, equal marriage will be a fact and a law of the land - and requiring someone to promote it. It is on that distinction that the liberty of conscience of teachers - and, indeed, of anyone in public service - rests.”

The Rt Hon Michael Gove MP, Secretary of State for Education

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The full guidance document for schools is available here »

Parent View Survey Update

Thank you to everyone who completed the Ofsted survey during parents' evenings. We had a good response and now have over 90 opinions that Ofsted can take into consideration when they carry out their next inspection. It was great to chat with parents and hear such positive comments about the school. We were also delighted to review the results of the survey and see that 100% of parents said they would recommend our school. If you didn't have time to complete the simple online survey, we'd be grateful if you could do so here»

Congratulations to the winner of the survey prize draw whose ticket was drawn in assembly today. The lucky family now has an extra £50 in cash - happy shopping!

E for Effort

Every week, teachers recognise a pupil in their class who has made an extra effort. These pupils are awarded the E for Effort cup in front of the whole school during our Friday morning assembly. Listen to the reasons why pupils have been given the award:

listen to ‘E for Effort winners 28th March 2014’ on Audioboo

Congratulations to the wonderful children who have made an extra effort this week.

Hacton 1 - 1 Parklands

Last Friday saw a memorable match as the Hacton boys' football team met Parklands in the semi final of the Havering Champions League. The match was extremely tight throughout and both sides created a number of chances without anyone edging ahead. Finally the breakthrough was made as the Hacton forwards put pressure on the opposition defenders, forcing a rushed clearance from the goalkeeper. As Braden bravely chased down the goalkeepers kick the ball rebounded off him and went in: 1 - 0 to Hacton! Both sides pushed forwards but the defences held firm as Oscar and Henry intercepted and cleared any attempted through balls. However the ball broke kindly for Parklands and a crisp shot was directed into the Hacton net to equalise.

The second half continued in a similar fashion with both sides creating chances but no one could find the net. This meant extra time and penalties loomed!

Giving everything they could and leaving all their energy on the pitch, extra time finished goaless so it had to end with the lottery of penalties. Luck was with Parklands but on the day there was nothing to choose between the sides - neither team deserved to lose.

The boys have had a tremendous season, finishing unbeaten and winning every game to win their league. I would like to thank all of the boys for their great effort, impressive team work, qualities of fair play and most of all the entertainment that they have provided this season with so many thrilling matches. Thank you boys, you should be proud of your success, hold your heads high and we all look forward to watching you on Match of the Day in the future!

Mr Grant (Team Coach)

Music Assembly - That's Life

Every week we ask a question about a famous piece of music. This is help children listen more closely and learn about how music is made. Last week we asked you to name 2 of Duke Ellington’s roles in music? Possible answers were: composer; pianist; band leader. This week:

What was the name of the group of singers that Frank Sinatra sang with?

The answer will be posted with next week's question.

Quicksticks Joy for Happy Hacton Hockey Teams

On a bright and sunny Wednesday afternoon, Hacton took two Hockey teams to the Quicksticks Hockey Festival at Coopers' Coburn school. This hockey tournament featured 15 teams from 11 different schools. Teams were 4 a side with 2 girls and 2 boys and a rolling sub.

From the onset of the tournament, both of our teams were keen to support one another. The A side were in a group alongside the following schools: Ardleigh Green, Hylands, Newtons, St Albans (1), Upminster and St Joseph's (1). The B side were joined in their group by the following schools: St Albans (2), Harold Wood, Oakfields, Parsonage Farm, St Joseph's (2), St Joseph's (3) and Whybridge. Games lasted 8 minutes and teams were awarded 3 points for a win and 1 for a draw.

Here's how the A team got on in their group games:

Hacton 1 - 1 Ardleigh Green
Hacton 1 - 0 Hylands
Hacton 3 - 0 Newtons
Hacton 3 - 0 St Joseph's (1)
Hacton 1 - 1 Upminster
Hacton 6 - 0 St Albans (1)

Undefeated, the A side recorded 4 wins and 2 draws to top their group with 14 points. Could the B side match that winning performance? The results speak for themselves:

Hacton 1 - 0 St Albans (2)
Hacton 3 - 0 Harold Wood
Hacton 3 - 0 Oakfields
Hacton 2 - 1 Parsonage Farm
Hacton 0 - 0 St Joseph's (2)
Hacton 2 - 0 St Joseph's (3)
Hacton 2 - 0 Whybridge

Also undefeated, the B side recorded 6 wins and a draw to top their group with 19 points. Both teams scored plenty of goals with Taylor and JJ top scorers for their respective sides. This meant that the final would be an all Hacton affair as the A side took on the B side.

It was a difficult final for both sides who had willed each other to win all afternoon. The A side won the game but, in a heartwarming display of solidarity, both teams had agreed beforehand that the trophy would be shared. Hats off to Hacton for an absolutely fantastic performance.

Year 1 Traffic Walk

Last week, Year 1 went on a short walk to find traffic signs. Pupils have been looking at road safety in their Geography lessons and in particular how traffic signs help pedestrians and road users. They were brilliant at spotting all the traffic signs and were able to recognise those that were painted on the road too. One child spoke about double yellow lines and said that some naughty mummies park on them when they are in a rush to collect children from school! Year 1 enjoyed the walk and now have a better understanding of road safety and road signs. Encouragingly, teachers were unable to trick the children into thinking that the roadwork sign is a man having trouble with his umbrella! Thank you to all the parents who helped us on this trip.

Flat Stanley Update

We have had an great response so far to our Flat Stanley challenge. Postcards have arrived in their hundreds and it is clear that the Flat Stanleys have travelled far and wide: from local London and Ireland, to the hot Costa Blanca and Egypt, from adventurous Australia and South Africa, to cold Switzerland - to name just a few! There are only a few days left before they are expected back at school and the winners are announced.

Above: a small selection of the postcards that have been returned from around the world

Below: postcards on display in the main corridor

Weekly Maths Challenge

Do you like a puzzle or challenge? Can you think creatively? If the answer is 'yes', our weekly maths challenge is perfect for you. Each week there will be a fresh challenge to give your grey matter a work out. Most of the activities are open ended - it is about having creative ideas to apply to your maths. This week:

Pupils can post their suggestions directly to the display board with Post It notes. As expected, responses are already flooding in. We'll post some of the best solutions here before next week's challenge begins. Feel free to post your own ideas on this post's Facebook comments.

Maths Challenge Winner

Congratulations to the winner of this week's Maths Challenge 'The answer is 24 what is the question?' Answers ranged from the obvious (what's 23 + 1?) to the creative (add 3 weeks and 3 days), the hilarious (how old does Mr Grant wish he was?) to the bizarre (if I have 8 sheep with 3 legs how many sheep's legs do I have?). Well done to Yellow team captain who won a big bag of sweets for her elegant solution that displayed a good understanding of how to use brackets in a sum: (3x2) + (2x2) + (1x2) x 2

"I did the Maths Challenge just for fun and never thought I would win. I think everyone should give it a go. Good luck for next week, now I'm off to eat my sweets!"

Hacton 4-0 St Patrick's

Hacton girls' football team enjoyed a comfortable home win in front of a bumper crowd in our friendly fixture against a spirited St Patrick's side. On a warm day, the Hacton team - which included newcomers Evie, Emily C and Sophie R - made a bright start. Katie and Emily teamed up well to create a succession of chances. However, Hacton found it tricky to break down their opponents' defence. At the other end of the pitch, Harlie, our team captain made a couple of good saves to ensure Hacton didn't fall a goal behind. The captain, who usually plays in midfield, showed she was also a very competent keeper. The opening goal came from the trusty right boot of Katie who powered home a fierce shot. That goal seemed to provide confidence for the team and Katie quickly added a 2nd goal before half time. In the second half, Caroline fizzed a shot just wide while Evie and Sophie calmly dealt with any St Patrick's attack. To the delight of the crowd, Emily netted her first goal for the team - hopefully this will be the first of many for the Year 5 star. With the final whistle approaching, girl of the game, Katie, completed that rare distinction of a hat-trick with another excellent goal. A resounding win and happy faces all round. Well played girls!

Easter Bonnet Competition

Year 1 has entered the Easter bonnet competition at Hobbycraft in Romford. 1VH has created a beautiful rainbow bonnet and 1FB has made an adorable design featuring chicks in a basket. If you are near the Brewery in Romford this weekend, please pop into Hobbycraft to cast your vote - we know the children would appreciate it.

E for Effort

Every week, teachers recognise a pupil in their class who has made an extra effort. These pupils are awarded the E for Effort cup in front of the whole school during our Friday morning assembly. Listen to the reasons why pupils have been given the award:

listen to ‘E for Effort winners 21st March 2014’ on Audioboo

Congratulations to the wonderful children who have made an extra effort this week.

Music Assembly - It Don’t Mean a Thing

Every week we ask a question about a famous piece of music. This is help children listen more closely and learn about how music is made. Last week we asked you to name 2 instruments that can be heard at the beginning of the song ‘In the Mood’? Possible answers were: saxophone, drums or trombone. This week:

Can you name 2 of Duke Ellington’s roles in music?

The answer will be posted with next week's question.

The Iron Man by Year 3

Recently, year 3 pupils read The Iron Man by Ted Hughes and watched the film adaptation, The Iron Giant. As part of their study, they looked at the way that stories can be made into films; thinking about different types of camera angles and their effect on the viewer, how sound and sound effects are used and how films are marketed.

After watching the film, 3RG wrote short adverts to develop their persuasive writing skills. They also made impressive Iron Giant costumes to wear while making film trailers. They presented their work in a very entertaining Best Work Assembly.

listen to ‘The Iron Giant by 3RG’ on Audioboo

3HS planned, created and made their own film trailers for The Iron Man.  They looked at persuasive techniques and conventions used by existing trailers before making their own. The children created plasticine models and sets then used iStopMotion and iMovie on iPads to film, add sound and edit their own film trailers.

 

Hacton 4 - 2 Rise Park

After impressively winning a competitive league - beating every team in front of them including, Langtons, Ardleigh Green, Squirrels Heath, St Mary’s, and Benhurst - Hacton faced Rise Park in the quarter finals of the Havering Champions League. With the sun shining on the newly cut grass the boys started off the game on the front foot and continued to dominate the game throughout.

Early pressure paid off as JJ made a bursting run into the penalty area with the opposition defender bringing him down while making a last ditch effort to stop him. Coolly, Owen stepped up to dispatch a confident penalty to make it one nil. Hacton extended their lead as a slick passing move resulted in Owen popping up in the box to curl the ball into the bottom left corner of the goal.

Confidently the boys continued their dominance in the second half as JJ grabbed an early goal, celebrated with a confident strut back to his own half. However, Hacton did not have it all their own way as Rise Park headed home a corner to try and get back in the game.

Shortly after, Hacton restored their lead, as Braden weaved through the Rise Park defence with a jinking run and then slotted the ball into the corner of the goal.

Rise Park gave a late push and grabbed one more goal with a minute left on the clock. As the whistle went the boys knew they had earned their victory with their impressive work ethic. Well done boys and I hope you are looking forward to the semi finals!

Year 3 Roman Day

“Right, left, right, left..” came the chant of Roman soldiers marching through the school corridors as Year 3 began their Roman day by invading classrooms. After successfully conquering the school the children learnt more about the Roman invasion of Britain and had the opportunity to try on some equipment used by Romans and Celts.

In the afternoon, they were put through their paces with some Roman army marching drills and even had to defend themselves from an aerial bombardment in testudo formation. The children were also treated to a display of Roman weaponry as they saw a bow and arrow, sling shot and javelin in action. The day finished with a well earned Roman Feast where, in a one off change of role, the teachers acted as slaves serving the children.

Making a Difference

In assembly today, we looked at people who have made a difference to our lives. Our challenge this week is to make a difference to someone either in the playground or at home. As we look forward to our ‘Sport Relief Run’ we are already making a difference, through our participation, to hundreds of children around the world who are not as fortunate as ourselves.

 

Year 4 Visit the Horniman Museum

Year 4 recently visited the Horniman Museum in South London. To compliment their class topic, pupils took part in some workshops about India. Year 4 thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to explore Indian artefacts, participate in a puppet show and engage with Indian traditions. After the workshops, the children were fascinated to see some of the many and varied objects from around the world collected by Frederick John Horniman. The long journey across London was well worth it: this brilliant museum offered a curriculum focussed, fun and enriching day out for our Year 4 pupils.

E for Effort

Every week, teachers recognise a pupil in their class who has made an extra effort. These pupils are awarded the E for Effort cup in front of the whole school during our Friday morning assembly. This week, reasons for the award include:

"Her enthusiastic approach to learning and hard work in Literacy."
"Working confidently and accurately in Maths"
"A great week in school. He has solved some challenging maths problems and written detailed paragraphs."

Congratulations to the wonderful children who have made an extra effort this week.

Music Assembly - In the Mood by Glenn Miller

Every week we ask a question about a famous piece of music. This is help children listen more closely and learn more about how music is made. This week:

Name 2 instruments can be heard at the beginning of the song ‘In the Mood’?

The answer will be posted with next week's question.

Weekly Maths Challenge

Do you like a puzzle or challenge? Can you think creatively? If the answer is 'yes', our weekly maths challenge is perfect for you. Each week there will be a fresh challenge to give your grey matter a work out. Most of the activities are open ended - it is about having creative ideas to apply to your maths.

Pupils can post their suggestions directly to the display board with Post It notes. Responses are already flooding in. We'll post some of the best solutions here before next week's challenge begins. Feel free to post your own ideas on this post's Facebook comments.

Outdoor Learning in Reception

Reception have recently enjoyed cross-curricular activities based on the story of Jack and the Beanstalk. Using the outdoor learning area in glorious weather, children took delight in the challenge of an obstacle course that led to the giant's castle. At the end of their journey they found a pot of gold and had great fun counting out coins.

Havering Netball League

Our Year 6 netball squad have had a successful couple of weeks in the Havering league. Recently, we played away at Sanders Draper. Following an 11-0 win against Scotts, our 1st team came up against a strong Ardleigh Green team and lost 11-4. The 2nd team displayed some excellent shooting to beat Scotts 5-3, before being beaten by Ardleigh Green. Last week we secured victories against Towers (6-1) and Harold Wood (7-2). We now have to wait to see how we've done in our division. A big well done to Taylor, Elle, Filipe, Rebecca, Ciara, Temi, Millie, Frankie, Evie, Sian, Olivia, Sophie R, Sophie T and Mostafa.

 

The Rainbow Theatre Company Visit Key Stage 1

During Literacy Week, Key Stage 1 enjoyed a visit from The Rainbow Theatre Company. In preparation for the visit, the children learned a fairy tale song and listened to stories. They also made hats to wear to the performance to compliment the different tales. The children watched re-enactments of Hansel and Gretel, The Frog Prince and The Enormous Turnip. Over 20 children were asked to take an active role in the storytelling and were dressed up to play their given parts. This helped create an engaging and fun show clearly enjoyed by the attentive audience and the children who performed.

E for Effort

Every week, teachers recognise a pupil in their class who has made an extra effort. These pupils are awarded the E for Effort cup in front of the whole school during our Friday morning assembly. This week, we thought we'd take time to share some of the achievements of our winners. Reasons for the award include:

"The excellent recount of making pancakes. Well done!"
"His good behaviour and determination to work hard on all his class tasks. Keep it up!"
"Her increased effort in her literacy work - well done!
"Her much improved effort in class and first full mark spelling test - keep it up!"
"Writing fantastic sentences using connectives and working hard independently"
"Coping so well with an injured ankle. You are trying hard to just carry on as usual. Well done!"

Congratulations to the wonderful children who have made an extra effort this week.

In the News: Our 'Trailblazing Youngsters'

We're in the newspaper again! The Romford Recorder are running an article about our ICT lessons during 'Hour of Code' week. A photographer came to the school and took a great picture of Liam and George learning how to code on iPads. Click the image below to read the full story.

In the News: Our 'Forward Thinking' School

Reporters from the Essex Enquirer newspaper were very interested to hear about our ICT lessons during 'Hour of Code' week. To find out more, read the full story.

The Freshwater Theatre Company Visit Nursery

Last week, Nursery enjoyed a special one hour show from The Freshwater Theatre Company. Based on the theme of colours, the children were lead through a story walk that took them from a flowery hill to muddy grass then on to the sea and finally a dark, black bear cave. Along the way they collected lots of colourful treasures which made a beautiful rainbow. The colours helped reinforce the message that it is good to be unique and different from each other. Staff were impressed by how engaged and motivated the children were throughout the show and it was clear from their happy faces that the children thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

Star Reader

Well done to our Year 1 pupil who read an amazing 54 books over the half term break - wow! Mr Emes and Miss Morris visited the classroom to reward her with lots of well-deserved stickers. Congratulations for being an outstanding Star Reader.

"My favourite story was 'The Adventures of the Wishing Chair' (Enid Blyton). I love reading because I like words. Even when I was a baby I knew some words and now I like learning new ones!"

Year 6 Secondary School Applications

Year 6 parents will shortly find out the results of secondary school applications. If an application was made online, parents will receive an email on Monday evening, 3 March 2014. If the application was made on paper, a letter will be posted first class on Monday and should be received Tuesday morning.  

Literacy Week - Grand Finale

Literacy Week concluded with a joyful dress up day and a very special whole school assembly. Pupils and staff clearly relished the opportunity to dress as their favourite characters and the school hall filled with colourful costumes as children gathered for afternoon assembly. Mr Emes began by presenting blue house with the literacy quiz trophy before handing over to his staff.

The hall erupted with laughter as our Mad Hatter (Mr Pinkham) took to the stage to lead his colleagues in a Hacton style performance - 'Cinderella in Wonderland'. Cheering, applause and suspense characterised the afternoon's proceedings, as the Mad Hatter led the children and staff through a magical world full of our favourite classic story characters: Peter Pan, Tinkerbell, Smee, Hook and the Lost Boys; Dorothy; Cinderella; Harry Potter and many more. Despite some heckling from an Ugly Sister, the play continued with the audience helping to control the fate of the characters in the story. As events unfolded, Cinderella claimed a pricey pair of Louboutin shoes and was aided by Brave Bart (pirate turned model) who showed his true courage in defeating the evil Captain Hook. To cheers from the audience, the Mad Hatter concluded the narrative by tying up loose ends in order to ensure that all the characters lived 'happily ever after'.

Thank you to parents and pupils for some brilliant costumes and to Literacy Co-ordinator, Mr Pinkham, for organising a fantastic week of activities enjoyed by pupils and staff across the school.