Bristol Free School

Awards

Congratulations to Bristol Free School on achieving the Essential Award!

Highlights of the school's work:

using a variety of innovative ways to develop an understanding of the health and wellbeing needs of the school population (for example, regular surveys with pupils, families, staff and events for sharing key information and discussing issues with parents)
implementing a behaviour system that is trauma-informed and picks up on students struggling and seeks to support and not just sanction
ensuring the attendance system is focused on identifying early concerns raised through patterns of non-attendance
ensuring school food is healthier and more sustainable, with canteen providers presenting to students and gathering feedback from the student leadership team
collaborating with students to create activities that meet their needs, such as the PE department’s 'Active Lives' initiative where Y8 & 9 students had to work with their subject areas and come up with activities in lessons that got students moving.
having tiered mental wellbeing support in place (wellbeing service, Anna Freud online services, school nurse and school counsellor)
reviewing and developing all areas of equalities support
ensuring PSHE topics are covered across the curriculum (for example, drama performance teaching about menstruation through its 'period drama', English lessons exploring themes like race, discrimination, and various equalities-based issues)

The school is most proud of:

'Our after-school club offer is extensive, offering 40 plus clubs every term to students. It's a wide ranging and creative programme that students can make suggestions or additions to.'
'Within the PE curriculum there has been consideration for both a competitive and recreational route for all students.'
'We have developed our BFS Promise. The Promise is an offer that goes beyond an excellent academic offer as it seeks to give all students equal opportunities. Opportunity is one of the 3 key values at BFS and involves the wider curriculum, the pastoral system, the PSHE provision, access to trips, visits and clubs as well as lots of opportunities to volunteer, help with primary school or younger children and mentor or be mentored by others.'
'We have the highest participation rate in the Southwest region for bronze D of E. About 150 students in a year group of 200 have participated in this award for the last 2 years and there has been a significant increase in the number progressing through to silver and gold awards as well.'

As a result of working with the Bristol Healthy Schools Programme the school noticed:

'Since starting work towards this award our school canteen provider has been awarded a Bronze under the Bristol Eating Better Awards.'
'There's been more focus on road safety and healthy travel to school whilst working with Modeshift Stars.'

Well done Bristol Free School, keep up the good work!