The Government set out its definition of British values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy, and these values were reiterated in 2014. The DfE has 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 THOA through our academic and pastoral offer we aim 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.
Through our provision of SMSC we aim to:
The school vision, aims and values clearly state the importance we place on each member of the school community as an individual.
THOA believes that pupil voice is important and helps pupils both reflectively to engage in their learning, and to consider or challenge the issues that are important to them at school. To support this process a programme of ‘pupil voice’ across the school ensures that all pupils, regardless of disabilities, are able to have a say in their education and the life of the school.
We have an active School Council that meets with the Principal to discuss issues raised in each class. The School Council is listened to by school staff and it is able to effect change. Every child on the school council is voted in by other pupils in their class.
Focused work, where appropriate, during PHSE lessons, engages children in considering what it means to be British and that being British is about living alongside others in a multi-cultural community. Pupils are encouraged to understand the viewpoints, practices, backgrounds and contributions that everyone makes to the country.
This year all pupils will for the first time complete an annual ‘Pupil Views’ questionnaire.
There is a shared understanding of what is politeness and good behaviour and this is promoted at all times.
The importance of laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced at THOA.
Pupils are taught, at whatever level is appropriate, the rights of all pupils at the school. They are also taught the value and reasons behind rules and laws, that they govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves, and the consequences when laws are broken.
At THOA, pupils are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. As a school we educate and provide boundaries for young people to make informed choices, through a safe environment and an empowering education. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms, and advised how to exercise these safely, for example through E-Safety and PSHE work.
THOA promotes an anti-bullying culture and policies relating to behaviour and E-safety are in place.
Mutual respect is integral to provision at THOA. Children are encouraged to understand that their behaviours have an effect on their own rights and those of others. All members of the school community are expected to treat each other with respect.
THOA provides opportunities for children to visit places of significant cultural interest and places of worship, and we actively encourage visitors from a range of communities and organisations into school, particularly during assemblies.
Each year, the school supports a range of charities with which the children can identify. The school plans fundraising and awareness raising activities to support these charities.