Page 17 - Prospectus

A Mind to be Kind

The ‘Mind to be Kind’ programme develops a culture where kindness, without an expectation of reward, becomes a way of life.
Rather than focusing on performing acts of kindness for a reward, we focus on how it feels when we are kind. The aim is that giving
and receiving kindness becomes natural and normal. This programme is central to ensuring that our academies are safe, happy and
calm places where everyone is respected.

The ‘Mind to be Kind’ programme is delivered to all learners as a series of short ‘Stop and Think’ sessions where kindness is
explored through three main themes:

• Acts of Kindness
• Living without Harming Others
• Respect.

Confidence: Voice 21

Voice 21 is a structured programme to transform teaching and learning through talk (‘oracy’). Oracy develops learners’
confidence, articulacy and capacity to learn. It boosts their ability to articulate ideas, develop understanding and engage with
others through spoken language.

Confidence: Speak Out

Speak Out is a public speaking challenge in which learners compete to persuade other people and hold their interest. It is run by the
Speakers Trust, which helps young people to gain the confidence and skills to communicate with clarity, conviction and impact.

Confidence: Poetry by Heart

Poetry by Heart, an initiative supported by the Department for Education, is another confidence-building challenge based
around speaking skills. Learners get used to memorising and reciting poems in front of a range of different audiences and can
enter a regional and national competition.

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