Values forms the basis of everything we do in school. It underpins our ethos, vision, policies and practice. Adults consistently model excellent values towards each other and towards the children. Children (and adults!) enjoy the fact that they can be nominated for a values award at any point in the week and by any member of staff, parent, Governor or visitor.
Values for 2023-2024
September 2023- Respect
October 2023- Co-operation
November 2023- Forgiveness
December 2023- Thoughtfulness
January 2024- Self Belief
February 2024- Appreciation
March 2024- Kindness
April 2024- Courage
May 2024- Patience
June 2024- Honesty
July 2024- Freedom
In accordance with The Department for Education, we aim to actively promote the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs. This is to ensure our children leave school prepared for life in modern Britain. Children 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.
Democracy:
Our School Council members are elected through a democratic vote and meet each week to discuss relevant issues in school and fundraising events. Children’s views are sought through pupil interviews led by subject leaders so that they have a voice in school regarding the curriculum. In addition to this, they complete an annual pupil questionnaire, the results of which are reviewed by SLT. All the children are included in a school House team and are encouraged to work together to achieve success. Children are central to their reward system, where they choose how they would like to celebrate their successes, such as deciding on their House Point celebrations. Children at Stondon Lower strengthen their understanding of democracy through structured units of learning as part of our PSHE curriculum including ‘Rights, Respect and Responsibilities’ and ‘Valuing difference’.
The Rule of Law:
The importance of Laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced during the school day, when dealing with behaviour, within our PHSE Curriculum and through our collective worship time. Children 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/PCSOs and Fire Service help reinforce this message. Bikeability lessons enable children to understand the rules of the road and the potential dangers encountered should they break those rules. We help children distinguish right from wrong and ensure school rules and expectations are clear and fair.
Individual Liberty:
Children are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. Children are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised how to exercise these safely, for example through our e-Safety and PSHE lessons. Children are encouraged to take responsibility for their behaviour and the school implements a strong anti-bullying culture. Children are further empowered through being part of a school council. Children are given the freedom to make a wide range of choices from attending extracurricular clubs to supporting fund raising events. They are encouraged to make individual choices even if it means being seen as different to others. Freedom to express their individuality is encouraged at Stondon Lower School and stereotypes are challenged.
Mutual Respect:
‘Respect’ is at the heart of the school. Our school ethos and behaviour policy is based on our core values such as Respect. Positive and respectful relationships are encouraged and modelled. All members of the school community treat each other with respect. Adults throughout the school model, demonstrate and promote respect for others. Children learn that their behaviours influence their own rights and those of others.
Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs:
At Stondon lower we promote respect for individual differences as part of the RE and PHSE curriculum and collective worship experiences. Assemblies are used to explore the protected characteristics of the 2010 Equality Act and encourage respect for individual differences and to actively challenge stereotypes, prejudice and discrimination. To help children to acquire an understanding of, and respect for, their own and other cultures and ways of life, visits to different places of worship are organised. Quality texts to reflect diversity, inclusion & equality are used to support children’s tolerance of those different faiths and beliefs.