Value | How we promote it |
Democracy Links to school core values: RESPECT Character Education: TRUST FAIRNESS COURAGE INTEGRITY | We have 4 elected school councils who regularly meet every half term. Each class elect representatives, mirroring the electoral process. We ensure a strong diverse group of pupils in each council as well as being fully inclusive. Each council has a different focus and play an instrumental role in the daily life of the school such as: leading in worship, meeting with new parents, interviewing new staff members, and fundraising for charities. Children’s opinions are listened to; for example, in class discussions, class councils raise issues which are then brought to full school council meetings and pupils are empowered to advocate for change. Children are involved in key decisions about aspects of school life such as organising charity fund-raising, running extra-curricular clubs, deciding on rewards for their Houses and classes, and supporting internet safety day to promote anti cyberbullying and anti-bullying. The school council representatives have a termly audience with the headteacher or a governor who discuss their actions and impact with them, thus empowering them to bring about positive change. Minutes are taken at each meeting as a record of change and successes. Each term the 4 school councils write an update SWAY newsletter to inform the whole school community about their actions. Democracy is promoted through the curriculum, for example, in PSHE lessons, Character Education and class debates. We have used the ‘Parliament Box’ to teach our pupils about Democracy. Pupils are regularly asked for their views through the annual pupil survey and the worship questionnaire. The results are fed back to them and then decisions made based on it. For example, pupils voted for the names of our current Houses and their colours. The beginnings of democracy are taught through historical research relating to the civilisation of Ancient Greece.
Key Christian text: For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self control. 2 Timothy 1:7 Remember that everybody is different, yet equal. |
The rule of law Links to school values: RESPECT LOVE Character Education FAIRNESS HONESTY | We have high standards of behaviour across the school and promote good behaviour by recognising individual examples as well as groups though our positive behaviour reward schemes. We use class dojo for class and individual rewards. A range of certificates are awarded to individuals for individual positive learning behaviours. We have a clear behaviour policy which outlines how poor behaviour is dealt with. This is adhered to by all staff in a fair manner, and children know what to expect. Our behaviour policy is reviewed at least annually and is published on the school website. Our behaviour expectations are based on the Christian values of Love, perseverance, and respect. We have no whole school rules as we believe that if we are following our school core values and we are following the rules of law. Pupils are taught about the British rule of law in RE, humanities and PSHE. Where relevant this value will be referred to in collective worship to support pupils understanding of why laws and rules exist.
Key Christian text: The Ten Commandments. Exodus 20 Be polite, honest, and trustworthy; take care of the school environment and its equipment. |
Individual liberty Links to school values: RESPECT PERSEVERANCE LOVE Character Education COURAGE JUSTICE FAIRNESS TRUST KINDNESS SELF-BELIEF | Through our school values and aims, and through teaching across the curriculum, children are taught about personal responsibility, the courage to stand up for what is right, resilience and aspiration. Curriculum topic related to ‘healthy you and me’ or It’s good to be me refer to individual liberty. Courage and Justice are Christian Values that are planned for regularly in our Whole School, Key Stage and Class Worship. Pupils discuss topical current affairs as they arise, either as part of class worship or PSHCE curriculum time. Pupils raise money for charities like the Comic Relief, Christian Aid and NSPCC which stand up for the rights of children. Independent learning is fostered and respected. Children are taught how to keep themselves safe, including online. Bullying is not tolerated, and we have a robust Anti-Bullying policy. This also includes an anti-cyber bullying section. Pupils are encouraged to discuss and debate, expressing their opinions and respecting the rights of others to differing points of view.
Key Christian text: If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. John 8:31/32 Work hard and give your best; Behave well and take responsibility for your actions. |
Mutual respect Links to school values: RESPECT PERSEVERANCE LOVE Character Education: TRUST FAIRNESS KINDNESS HONESTY | We provide as many opportunities as possible for the children to work together with children from different year groups e.g. walking to the church, partnering younger children at the Christmas Fair, older children helping the younger children at lunchtime, years groups are partnered to help support reading. We celebrate diversity e.g. Inviting families from other faiths and cultures to talk to classes about their customs. We especially celebrate our similarities and differences to the way we live, with our traveller children, Ukrainian refugees, pupils with SEND or EAL. Pupils are encouraged to see everybody in the school as unique. Respect is one of our core Christian school values and we spend at least half a term each year focusing on respect in collective worship and enrichment curriculum. Staff are good role models by treating others as equals. We all learn to listen to each other valuing their ideas, thoughts and opinions.
Key Christian text: So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them. Matthew 7:12 Key Christian text: treat others just as you want to be treated. Luke 6.31 Be kind and Helpful, care for and respect other people, their property, and their efforts. |
Tolerance of different faiths and beliefs Links to school values: RESPECT LOVE Character Education: KINDNESS FAIRNESS TRUST SELF-BELIEF | We have a strong equal opportunities policy and celebrate diversity (eg. Inviting families from other faiths and cultures to talk to classes about their customs). Our RE programme is based on the Bucks Agreed Syllabus/ODBE scheme of work and encourages study of a variety of world faiths, beliefs and views. Children from a range of different faiths are invited to share their faith, culture and beliefs in collective worship and as part of the RE teaching about different world faiths. We aim that each class will visit a place of worship every year and will include places of worship from religions other than Christianity. We celebrate a range of world faith festivals including Passover, Diwali, Hanukkah, Eid and Ramadan. Our links with the local church and community are strong. All members of the school and village community are invited into school to share and celebrate a range of events both in school and at St James Church. These have included our Harvest Festival, Remembrance Day, Advent, Easter and Curriculum sharing for each class.
Key Christian text: A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. John 13:34 Care for and respect other people, their property and their efforts; Remember that everybody is different, yet equal. |