The British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs are fully embedded into our Stratford Manor Curriculum and wider school life.
These British values are integrated into our School Values (Community, Determination, Excellence, Responsibility and Respect) and our School Threads (Social Equity, Identity, Peace & Conflict, Sustainability, Our Rights and Decision Making) and are explicitly included in our PSHE and RE curriculums.
Some of the ways in which we teach or provide experiences for children are:
Democracy
Democracy is embedded at the school. Children are always listened to by adults and are taught to listen carefully and with concern to each other, respecting the right of every individual to have their opinions and voices heard. Children also have the opportunity to air their opinions and ideas through our Children’s Leadership Team and different pupil voice opportunities. The Children’s Leadership Team are elected by an annual class vote reflecting our British electoral system and demonstrating democracy in action. Our school thread, Decision Making, gives children the opportunity to consider the importance of democracy, governance and a fair distribution of power. Through our Stratford Manor Curriculum the children learn about the origins of democracy, the suffragette movement and how the Houses of Parliament function. They have the opportunity to visit the Houses of Parliament, write to MPs about specific issues and organise their own campaigns.
The Rule of Law
The importance of rules and laws, whether they are those that govern the class, the school or the country, are consistently reinforced throughout our school day and through our school assemblies. We encourage our children to distinguish right from wrong and help children to understand that living under the rule of law protects individuals. Our school value, Responsibility, helps children learn to take ownership of their actions and the school thread, Decision Making, ensures children are taught the value and reasons behind laws. They know that laws govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken. Visits to and from the Police, Fire Brigade and other services also help to reinforce our messages. We have a whole school approach to positive behaviour and children are clear about the rewards and consequences in our behaviour policy.
Individual Liberty
At Stratford Manor children are actively encouraged to become independent learners and make choices for themselves in a safe and supportive environment. We support children to develop their self-knowledge, self-esteem and self-confidence developing their sense of individuality through our school thread, Identity, and our PSHE curriculum. Through the school thread, Our Rights, children learn about their own and others’ rights and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. We have a focus on oracy and support the children to share their thoughts, ideas and opinions. Our children are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised how to exercise these safely through our Stratford Manor curriculum, which encompasses online safety and other ways to keep safe. We promote high aspirations and encourage the children to pursue their interests, providing a range of opportunities across the curriculum and in extra-curricular activities such as clubs, to broaden their experience and encourage the children to develop their talents and passions.
Mutual Respect and Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs
Respect for all is promoted across the school and it is deeply embedded in all that we do, which is why it is one of our Stratford Manor Values. The children know and understand that it is expected, and imperative that respect is shown to everyone. Celebrating difference and developing positive relationships are fundamental components of our PSHE curriculum in each year group. Through PSHE and other in curriculum areas, children are able to discuss their differences, in an open and supportive environment. Our classes are named after inspirational and influential people, from a range of different backgrounds, who have all made a positive impact on the world. We are an anti-bullying school and the Children’s Leadership Team created our anti-bullying charter.
The school thread, Social Equity, develops the children’s sense of fairness and Identity enables them to learn about the negative impact of stereo-typing, discrimination and prejudice.
Developing a strong sense of community is also a fundamental part of our school ethos, and Community is another Stratford Manor Value. Children learn to work in partners and groups, supporting and being supported by peers. We have a weekly achievement assembly led by the Children’s Leadership team, where a wide range of accomplishments are rewarded and celebrated.
We develop children’ understanding of different faiths and beliefs through RE and the wider Stratford Manor Curriculum and assemblies, including collective worship. We have special assemblies and events to mark festivals for all six major world religions and other cultural events. Children visit places of worship for each major faith throughout their time at Stratford Manor. Our curriculum is inclusive, recognising and celebrating the diversity of our local area and mod. We ensure that the range of books and other teaching resources used in school, reflect this diversity.
