At the heart of our School is a firm set of values which ensure that students develop a strong sense of social and moral responsibility, and that are promoted through our pastoral structure, assemblies, tutor time programme, the curriculum we deliver to our students and the opportunities we offer outside the curriculum. We also take opportunities to promote the areas currently identified as British Values within the curriculum and the wider ethos of the School. A weekly programme of tutor time activities and themes, assemblies, and curriculum planning that ensure we prepare our students for life in a modern multicultural country.
Democracy
Students have the opportunity to have their voices heard and suggestions implemented through representation on our various student forums and through curriculum area student surveys. Our students also take part in the elections for school leadership roles where students vote and can be elected to serve as a member for one year.
The Rule of Law
The importance of laws and rules whether those that govern teaching classes or in the are consistently reinforced throughout the school day as well as through tutor time and school assemblies. Students are taught the value and reasons behind laws and rules, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when these are broken. Visits from external speakers and input from our Safer Schools Officer are regular parts of our calendar and help reinforce this message.
Individual Liberty
Within school, students are actively encouraged to make good choices knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. Students are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised how to exercise these safely, for example through ICT (online safety) or during RE lessons.
Mutual Respect
Our school ethos is centered our values. Students have been part of discussions and assemblies related to what these mean and how they can be demonstrated through our Behaviour for Learning programme. We not only expect mutual respect between students but also between adults working in the school and our students and this can be seen in action on a day to day basis.
Tolerance of Those of Different Faiths, Beliefs, and Orientation
This is achieved through enhancing students’ understanding of their place in a diverse society and by giving them opportunities to experience such diversity. Assemblies and discussions involving prejudices and prejudicial actions are followed and supported by themes in some curriculum areas (e.g. ICT, History, and RE) and in tutor time. As a school with a low level of ethnic diversity, we are aware of the need to create opportunities for many of our students to experience other cultures and faiths.