British Values statement

British Values, as defined by the government in 2011, are democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs.  Along with our vision and Christian values, these values are an intrinsic part of school life.    We aim to nurture our children so they can grow into safe, caring, democratic, responsible adults who are able to challenge injustice, and make a positive difference to British society and to the world.  We encourage our children to be creative, unique, open-minded and independent individuals, respectful of themselves and of others in our school, our local community and the wider world.

We follow equal opportunities guidance which ensures that there will be no discrimination against any individual or group, regardless of faith, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, political or financial status, or similar.

Democracy

The principle of democracy is reinforced throughout life at our school, with democratic processes being used for important decisions within the school community, for instance, elections for house captains and vice house captains and through our family groups, which give all pupils a voice and the opportunity to contribute towards decisions which affect them as pupils.  The principle of democracy is further explored in the History and Religious Studies curriculum. Our pupils have the opportunity to volunteer their time in activities/roles such as Bronze Ambassadors and peacemakers. They also take part in fund raising events for local, national and international charities.

The rule of law

The importance of laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are fairly and consistently applied at Trent Young’s. Time is dedicated to ensuring that all children understand the reason for our rules in school  'ready, respectful, safe’ and how to apply these rules throughout the school day. The process of restorative justice is used wherever applicable to further understanding of the importance of rules and laws, the benefits to everyone when these rules are applied, and the consequences of not following them.  Pupils are taught the value and the reasons behind laws that govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken.  Visits from authorities such as the Police and Fire Service reinforce this message. Pupils are rewarded for exhibiting good and caring behaviour and consistent demonstration of our values is recognised, such as through our merit marks, ‘Star of the Week’ and ‘Good Samaritans'.

Individual liberty

Our children are taught about personal responsibility, choices, ambition and aspiration and are encouraged to take opportunities to follow their interests in art, sport etc. They are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised on how to exercise these safely, and how to keep themselves safe, including on-line.  This is done through computing lessons, e-safety days, assemblies and outside organisations such as the NSPCC, as well as through the PSHE curriculum. Pastoral support, including ELSA support when required, reinforces the importance of making the right choices. Vulnerable pupils are protected and there is a strong anti-bullying culture in school.

Mutual respect and tolerance of those with difference faiths and belief

Through the ethos of our school, our school’s vision, Christian values, PSHE children are taught to respect each other, to be cooperative and collaborative, be supportive and how difference enriches life experiences. Children learn that their behaviours have an effect on their own rights and well-being and that of others.  Mutual respect is embraced throughout the curriculum by providing the opportunity for pupils to express their views in a safe environment.  Through the RE curriculum pupils are encouraged to discuss and respect differences between people such as different faith, ethnicity, disability, gender, sexuality and difference of family situations.