Our Values
The DfE express the need “to create and enforce a clear and rigorous expectation on all schools to promote the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.”
Values will not be assumed because schools demand they are; they have to be arrived at through mutual exploration and understanding. The best way for schools to instil values in pupils is to reflect them in the ethos and culture of the school – within a framework of rules, regulations which are there for the benefit of everyone. The values of our school include tolerance, individual freedom, mutual respect, understanding of democracy and the rule of law, though we do not refer to these specifically as 'British' values.
Below is information about the values that underpin our school.
Further information is here on the Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural Education section of the website.
Our aims are to:
- Inspire, motivate and challenge children to achieve their best.
- Provide rich educational experiences so that all children can enjoy their school life and develop independence that will allow them to participate fully in and contribute positively to life in modern Britain
- Encourage children to be positive, respectful and thoughtful in their choices, attitudes and actions.
- Promote a caring and supportive community in which all people, both adults and children, are valued and respected.
The mission statement for Yorkshire Causeway Schools Trust:
“Where everyone is valued and respected, where we share commitment to education that is ambitious, setting the highest expectations and where integrity is the foundation.”
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'British values'
Democracy
Decisions are taken after seeking the views of all pupils in our family forums.
In our teaching, we include discussions that promote democratic contribution.
Our children are introduced to democracy and other forms of government as part of our history unit on Ancient Greece and the global unit of work in Year 5.
Children have an annual questionnaire with which they are able to put forward their views about the school.
Parents’ and governors’ opinions are sought through questionnaires and meetings.
The Rule of Law
The importance of laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are reinforced throughout our everyday teaching, assemblies, and when dealing with behaviour incidents.
The school has a clearly structured behaviour policy. The rules in school apply equally to all pupils; children learn that they are responsible for their own actions.
Pupils are taught that laws protect us and the consequences when laws are broken.
Individual Liberty
Within school, pupils are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment.
Children are encouraged to form and express their own opinions.
We provide boundaries for pupils to make choices safely, through the provision of a safe learning environment.
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.
Whether through the choice of learning challenges, of how they record, or participation in our extra-curricular clubs and opportunities, pupils are given the freedom to make choices.
Mutual Respect
Children learn that their behaviours have an effect on their own rights and those of others. We model and promote good manners.
In our class discussions, children are taught to value the opinions of others.
All children are entitled to a voice in class.
We listen to and learn about the opinions and beliefs of others as part of our RE curriculum.
All members of the school community treat each other with respect.
Children are encouraged to listen to others as they would like to be listened to.
Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs
Our school is not situated in an area of great cultural diversity; therefore we place an emphasis on teaching the children that the United Kingdom is a culturally diverse society.
Assemblies include stories and celebrations from a variety of faiths and cultures.
Members of different faiths or religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school.
Children visit places of worship that are important to different faiths.
The diversity of people’s backgrounds and circumstances is appreciated and valued.
At Pannal, we will actively challenge pupils, staff or parents expressing opinions contrary to fundamental British Values, including ‘extremist’ views.
