RISE Open Education Fortnight: Inclusion – Creating a Sense of Belonging
Intended Audience: Secondary school leaders
National Education Priorities: Inclusion, Attainment, Attendance
Participants will gain insight into how high expectations, inclusion, and belonging work together to secure positive, sustainable outcomes. The programme combines leadership discussion with direct observation, fostering professional reflection, collaboration, and practical takeaways.
St Thomas More Catholic School is a high-achieving, inclusive community grounded in Catholic values. Serving a diverse pupil population, the school prioritises equity and excellence, supporting all pupils—particularly disadvantaged pupils to thrive academically and socially. Through high expectations, structured routines, high-quality teaching, and targeted support, the school has secured strong outcomes across key measures. Inclusive practice is embedded in curriculum design and classroom teaching, ensuring sustainable improvement.
This session will explore how inclusive leadership, high expectations, and a culture of belonging contribute to improved attendance, engagement, and attainment. Participants will:
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Observe inclusive classroom practice in action
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Identify effective teaching strategies that support disadvantaged pupils
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Reflect on how culture, curriculum, and systems reduce gaps
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Leave with evidence-informed actions to trial in their own schools
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Welcome & School Context: Introduction to the school community and inclusion priorities
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Teaching, Learning & Curriculum: Inclusive curriculum design, data-informed teaching, and stretch & challenge for all learners
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Tour – Inclusion & Belonging in Practice: Explore learning environments, behaviour for learning routines, attendance and wellbeing systems, and guided reading
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Lesson Observation & Debrief: Witness high expectations, adaptive teaching, and classroom culture
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Targeted Support, Attendance & Pastoral Systems: Explore barriers to learning, early intervention, pupil voice, family engagement, and wellbeing alongside academic success
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Workshop – From Strategy to Action: Reflect on your school context, identify strategies to develop, and plan monitoring and evaluation
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Q&A: Engage with leaders and pupils to deepen understanding