Our visions and values are at the core of everything we do. They underpin our teaching and learning, and provide an environment which prepares our pupils as confident, happy citizens.

British Values

Promoting British values

The DfE have reinforced 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”

At Newlands we teach and reinforce these values in the following ways:

Democracy:

• We provide opportunities for children to debate and discuss a variety of issues

• We encourage children to vote for things that they want to happen

• Children help make the rules

• We ensure there are opportunities to become leaders and take on additional responsibility

• We encourage children to express their views in pupil conferences, online pupil surveys and through the school council

   

The Rule of Law:

• Children are taught the difference between right and wrong and are encouraged to take responsibility for their behaviour and make the right choices

• They are taught that the law is there to protect them and that breaking the law involves consequences

• Children are expected to follow the school rules that aim to keep children safe and promote a positive atmosphere for teaching and learning

• Children are encouraged to reflect on their actions and make things right

• We arrange cycling proficiency for the children in order for them to stay safe and understand the rules of the road 

• Visitors, including the Police, are invited to school to help children understand the importance of living within the law

   

  Individual Liberty:

• Children are encouraged to put forward ideas for school improvement and what they would like to learn about in the classroom

• Children are elected to the School Council to represent their peers and make things happen

• Children are given the opportunity to express opinions and state preferences

• We learn about War, the British Empire and the Commonwealth

• Through clubs and residential trips children are encouraged to try new things and take risks

• Children are encouraged to take on new challenges and aspire to be the best they can

   

  Mutual Respect and Tolerance:

• We encourage children to be polite and helpful to others and lead by example

• We learn to respect other people and recognise that people may be different from us

• We promote equality and fairness

• In lessons we actively promote everyone’s right to learn and create a learning environment which is conducive to this

• We ensure that everyone is made aware that bullying of any kind will not be tolerated

• We teach positive values by which to live and celebrate them in assemblies

• We teach children that we are all different, special and have a range of skills to offer

• We teach children about a variety of faiths and cultures which is underpinned by respect and tolerance regardless of our own beliefs

• Children visit places of worship

   

Promotion of Britishness:

• We commemorate key historical dates such as Armistice and Guy Fawkes

• We celebrate British festivals and special days such as St Georges day, Harvest festival, Shrove Tuesday, Easter and Christmas

• We show support for our country when key sporting fixtures arise

At Newlands we work hard to ensure our pupils leave prepared to deal with life in modern day Britain.