Through our provision we:

• Enable pupils to develop their self-knowledge, self-esteem and self-confidence
• Enable pupils to distinguish right from wrong and to respect the civil and criminal law of England
• Encourage pupils to accept responsibility for their behaviour, show initiative, and to understand how they can contribute positively to the lives of those living and working in the locality of the school and to society more widely
• Enable pupils to acquire a broad general knowledge of and respect for public institutions and services  in England
• Further tolerance and harmony between different cultural traditions by enabling pupils to  acquire an appreciation of and respect for their own and other cultures;
• Encourage respect for democracy and support for participation in the democratic processes
• Promote an understanding of how citizens can influence decision making through the democratic process
• Encourage an appreciation that living under the rule of law protects individual citizens and is essential for their wellbeing and safety
• Promote an understanding that there is a separation of power between the executive and the judiciary, and that while some public bodies such as the police and the army can be held to account through Parliament, others such as the courts maintain independence;
• Teach an understanding that the freedom to choose and hold other faiths and beliefs is protected in law;
• Encourage acceptance that other people having different faiths or beliefs to oneself (or having none) should be accepted and should not be the cause of prejudicial behaviour; and  teach an understanding of the importance of identifying and combatting discrimination.

Democracy

To understand how they can influence decision making through a democratic process.

• We empower our pupils by giving them opportunities to make choices about the things that they believe to be important. By valuing each ‘voice’ and by listening and responding to that voice we demonstrate that we support democracy and liberty
• Pupils also have the opportunity to have their voices heard through our School Council and pupil questionnaires.  The election of Pupil Council Members is based solely on pupil votes
• The School Council itself is led by a member of staff and adheres to democratic processes, reporting its actions to the Local Governing Body
• The principle of democracy is also explored in the History and RE curriculum as well as in assemblies. We explore how democracy and how the law works in Britain in contrast to other forms of government in other countries.

Individual Liberty

To understand that the freedom to choose is protected in law.

• Pupils are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment.
• Pupils have key roles and responsibilities in school e.g. Year 6 Buddy Readers, House Teams
• We educate and provide boundaries for pupils to make choices safely, through provision of a safe environment and an 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 E-Safety and PSHE lessons.
• Pupils are given the freedom to make choices e.g.  choosing lunch options, participation in extra-curricular clubs

Mutual Respect

To understand that while people may hold different views, we may show respect towards them.

• Part of our school ethos and behaviour policy revolves around core values such as ‘Respect’. Pupils have been part of discussions and assemblies related to what this means and how it is shown. These ideas are reiterated through classroom rules.
• Our PSHE curriculum embodies values of Mutual Respect through units of learning such as Relationships and Being a Responsible Citizen.
• Through sports coaching, we promote an attitude of equality and fairness.
• Our Reading Buddy scheme promotes mutual respect between pupils across different phases.
• On a general level, we undertake regular assemblies which uphold traditional values of empathy, respect and tolerance. These are also taught within PSHE, Citizenship and RE lessons and on an informal nature throughout the school day.

The Rule of Law

To appreciate that living under the rule of law protects us and is essential for our well-being and safety.

• The importance of laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced throughout regular school days; when dealing with behaviour and through school assemblies.
• Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind laws; that they govern and protect us; the responsibilities that they hold and the consequences when laws are broken. Visits from authorities such as the Police; Fire Service; Ambulance etc. are regular parts of our calendar and help reinforce this message.
• We have a clearly structured behaviour policy which all stakeholders understand and follow.
• The concept of the Rule of Law is also reinforced through teaching activities in our citizenship curriculum.

Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs

To accept that others have different faiths or beliefs (or none) and these should be accepted and tolerated.

• This is achieved through enhancing pupils understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society and by giving them opportunities to experience such diversity.
• Assemblies and discussions about prejudices are regularly held.
• We follow the LDBS Syllabus for RE which provides a broad and balanced education on a range of faiths, religions and cultures.

Review

The Governing Body reviews this policy regularly. The Governors may, however, review the policy earlier than this, if the government introduces new regulations, or if the Governing Body receives recommendations on how the policy might be improved.