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At High Down Schools we ensure that through our school vision, values, rules, curriculum and teaching we promote tolerance and respect for all cultures, faiths and lifestyles. We believe that we have a duty to prepare our children for life in modern Britain and to keep them safe.
The Department for Education have stated the need “to create and enforce a clear and rigorous expectation on all schools to promote the
Fundamental British values of:
At High Down these British Values are reinforced in the following ways:
Democracy
Children have many opportunities for their voices to be heard. We value the voice of our children and promote democratic processes such as our house captains and school council whose members are voted for by the children. Ideas and events are planned and discussed with a chance for debate, giving opportunities for different points of view. For example, class activities linked to this year’s Parliamentary General Election, playground design.
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 school assemblies. We have Golden Rules displayed in all classes. Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind rules and laws, that they govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when rules and laws are broken. We also have visits from the local police community support officers and have established links with the nearby Police Headquarters. School have recently been asked to participate in the ‘Mini Police’ initiative. Mini-Police is designed to give children confidence, a taste of what policing is like and to help and form links within the local community.
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 provision of a safe environment and empowering education. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and advised how to exercise these safely, for example through our E-Safety and PSHE lessons (we follow the Jigsaw scheme of work). Whether it be through choice of challenge, of how they record, of participation in our numerous extra-curricular clubs and opportunities, or pupil organised and run charity events and competitions, pupils are given the freedom to make choices.
Mutual Respect
Respect is one of our core School Values and has been discussed in depth during assemblies and in classes. Children learn that their behaviours have an effect on their own rights and those of others. Our Behaviour Policy engenders our basic belief in mutual respect. This is integral in classroom rules. All staff in school promote and demonstrate respect for others and this is also reflected in older students in their roles as House Captains, Buddies to younger children and Peer Mentors as well as those who represent the School Council. Achievement is celebrated across the school through our Friday Celebration assemblies, our website and through school newsletters. Each year Respect is a key School value for a term; self-respect, respect for belongings, respect for our environment and respect for each other and our differences.
Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs
High Down is situated in an area which is not greatly culturally diverse, therefore we place a great emphasis on promoting diversity with the children. Assemblies are regularly planned to address this issue either directly or through the inclusion of stories and celebrations from a variety of faiths and cultures. Our RE and PSHE teaching reinforce this. Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs is promoted in RE as children gain a greater understanding of religious diversity and practices for those religions represented in the UK. Planning for RE is based on the SACRE Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education.
How do we celebrate British Values
As a whole school, Remembrance Day celebrations are held annually where children purchase poppies and a minute’s silence is held across the school.
We hold a traditional Harvest Assembly and distribute the produce to our local community.
Every Christmas we have a family Christmas services at a local church and a Christingle service for children and staff. We have celebrated the World Cup and the Olympics.
We celebrate Saint George and St David’s Days each year through stories and an Eisteddfod.
We celebrate and learn about British traditions and those of other cultures and religions.
The Golden Jubilee was a huge event for the school, with a School Picnic event held on the school field.
We take part regularly in a range of community events including the local Carnival.
Our school values are:
We believe that our values based approach supports our vision and aims. We want our children to believe in their own abilities and talents, achieve their potential and develop a lifelong love for learning.
Our Golden rules are:
We strongly believe that our children need to be taught the laws and heritage of Britain and feel a sense of belonging without sacrificing their own identity. Respect for all and tolerance of all faiths and backgrounds is paramount at High Down Schools.