In accordance with The Department for Education we aim to actively promote British values, to ensure young people leave school prepared for life in modern Britain. Pupils are encouraged to regard people of all faiths, races and cultures with respect and tolerance, and understand that while different people may hold different views about what is ‘right’ and ‘wrong’, all people living in England are subject to its law. 

The Key Values are:

• Democracy

• The rule of law

• Individual liberty

• Mutual respect

• Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs

Democracy:

Democracy is a strong thread throughout the school and children have many opportunities for their voices to be heard. We have a student council (elected by their peers) who meet regularly to decide on improvements they would like to make to our school. Last year, they made recommendations on improving play-times and PE equipment and new equipment has been purchased as a direct result of the children’s input. Also, they were able to choose a local charity to support for two years. Sports leaders and House Captains are also elected and work together to promote sporting values throughout the school. All children have the opportunity to talk to senior staff on a regular basis and use these occasions to share their views.

The Rule of Law:

The importance of laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced throughout regular school days, as well as when dealing with behaviour and through collective worship. Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind laws, that they govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken. Visits from authorities such as the Police, Fire Service, the local Mayor etc. are regular parts of our calendar and help reinforce this message.

Individual Liberty:

Within school, pupils are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. As a school we educate and provide boundaries for young pupils to make choices safely, through the provision of a safe environment and empowering education. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and advise how to exercise these safely, for example through our Online Safety and PSHE lessons. Examining inspirational people such as Martin Luther King and Mahatma Gandhi during lessons and assemblies help to reinforce the children’s understanding of civil rights and freedom of choice. Whether it is through choice of challenge, of how they record, of participation in our numerous extra-curricular clubs and opportunities, pupils are given the freedom to make choices.

Mutual Respect:

Our school ethos and behaviour policy is centered round our five School Values, RESPECT, COMPASSION, FRIENDSHIP, SERVICE and ENDURANCE. This extends to all children and adults within the school and wider community. Pupils have been part of discussions and collective worships related to what this means and how it is shown. Our School Values promote respect for others and this is reiterated through classroom and learning rules. Each week, a collective worship is held where children who have demonstrated these values are celebrated.

Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs:

This is achieved through enhancing pupils understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society and by giving them opportunities to experience such diversity. Collective Worship and discussions involving prejudices and prejudice-based bullying have been followed and supported by learning in RE and PSHE. Themed days (e.g. Multi-Cultural Sports Day) help to raise awareness of different cultures, beliefs and cuisine. Members of different faiths or religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school.