The Department for Education states that there is a 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.”
Democracy is part of our everyday life at school. Pupils are always listened to by adults and are taught to listen carefully to each other, respecting the right of every individual to have their opinions and voices heard. Pupils also have the opportunity to air their opinions and ideas through our School Council, Eco Club, regular questionnaires, our Dare to Debate Club and Year 5 and 6 discussions. The election of the School Council members is based solely on pupil votes, reflecting our British electoral system and demonstrating democracy in action. We involve pupils in setting codes of behaviour; helping pupils to make decisions and choices that are acceptable to the school community and society at large.
The importance of laws whether they are those that govern the class, the school or the country, are consistently reinforced. Pupils are helped to learn to manage their behaviour and take responsibility for their actions. We help our pupils to understand the connection between actions and consequences. Each class discusses and sets its own rules that are clearly understood by all and seen to be necessary to ensure that every class member is able to learn in a safe and ordered environment. Our pupils are taught the value and reasons behind our laws, that they govern and protect us; the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken.
Our pupils are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. We believe that learning to be independent can boost and nurture a healthy self-esteem. Our pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised how to exercise these safely. Whether it is through choice of challenge; of how they record; participation in our numerous extra-curricular activities, our pupils are given the freedom to make choices. Our pupils are also encouraged to become good and valued citizens, that everyone has rights including the right to say ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ to ideas or activities.
Respect for one another is one of the core values of our school; it is deeply embedded in all that we do. The pupils know and understand that it is expected and imperative that respect is shown to everyone, whatever differences we may have, however big or small. We promote each pupil’s inclusion in activities, settings and locations that are appropriate to them. Pupils work with a range of people, and interactions with others are always positively promoted. We believe it is important to make opportunities to be part of the community as the pupils, families and staff have much to offer in the development of community cohesion. We promote each pupil’s inclusion in activities, settings and locations that are appropriate to them individually to meet their needs. This may include working with external coaches, theatre groups etc.
At Caversham Preparatory School each person is respected and valued equally without regard to faith, heritage or race. We actively promote our pupils’ understanding of different faiths and beliefs through the Religious and Cultural appreciation that forms part of our curriculum. We participate in events and celebrations to broaden all pupils’ experiences and awareness of others. We have regular celebrations of different faiths such as Diwali, Chinese New Year, Christingle and Easter Services and Eid. We visit Temples, Gurdwaras, Churches and Mosques. Visitors and sometimes our parents come to share their heritage and beliefs. Through this our pupils gain an enhanced understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society.
Interwoven within the curriculum are planned opportunities to teach the values of our society.
| Art |
|---|
| The study of how British art influences others around the world. Art |
| Charity Events |
| We support a number of children’s charities to learn the value of giving. Charities |
| Computing |
| Children are also taught about respect and bullying in the online world also, through our learning platform and through regular e-safety lessons. Computing |
| Educational visits |
| Our broad range of educational visits and experiences outside of the classroom equip our children with the skills to make a positive contribution to their community as equal citizens, as well as being able to look at British heritage in more depth. Recent visits have included a visit to the St Paul’s Cathedral, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, Pudding Lane in London, Warwick Castle, Tudor Houses. Educational Trips |
| English |
| We learn from Great British authors, poets and playwrights both past and present. English |
| Geography |
| We ensure that children understand the British map, learning more about its capital cities and counties, its rivers and mountains, where Britain is in relation to the rest of Europe and other countries in the world. Geography |
| History |
| We study British History and its influence in the past and in modern times. For example, our Kings and Queens, British Inventors, British explorers, British philanthropists such as Florence Nightingale and Mary Seacole. History |
| Music |
| The study of British composers and their influence worldwide. Music |
| Physical Education |
| Promotion of the concept of “fair play”, following and developing rules, inclusion, celebrating and rewarding success, being magnanimous in defeat and participation in activities that promote kinship and affiliation with others. Physical Education |
| Events |
| The annual Black History Day celebrates diversity in literature, art, music, sports and history or a Geography Week where the whole school focus on different countries and study their beliefs, traditions, customs, economy and education systems in depth. |
