NORTH CLIFTON PRIMARY SCHOOL VALUES
A Values-Based School
Here at North Clifton we are a values-based school. We believe it is essential to teach key values and empower children; ensuring they are ready for life beyond North Clifton. Our values-based curriculum is a vital way of promoting and enhancing the children’s social, moral, spiritual, emotional and academic well-being. A value is taught as a principle that guides our thinking and behaviour. We can call on these values to help us make the right choices, especially when we are faced with difficult decisions.
To read more about the intent, implementation and impact of our values, click HERE.
Curriculum Values Statement
At North Clifton our carefully constructed curriculum provides children with an ambitious, inspiring and high-quality education. Our successes are built on the foundation of our shared values and our consistently high expectations.
To read our full Curriculum Values Statement, click HERE.
A DEEPER LOOK AT OUR VALUES
At North Clifton Primary School we all know, the experiences a child has during the formative years of their life have such an impact on the kind of person they will develop into and become in the future. Such a lot of this important time is spent at school so it is essential that we work in partnership with parents so that we can make a positive difference and create a strong foundation that is built upon as children continue to grow, develop and flourish.
At North Clifton Primary School we have three core values:
Respect
Resilience
Responsibility
Our 3 R’s Charter underpins the curriculum that we deliver ensuring that all our pupils become aspirant, independent and confident life-long learners, who have empathy towards one another and are prepared to take risks in their learning. We believe children learn best when they feel happy, secure, confident and valued, irrespective of their ability or disability, social background, culture or gender. As a school, we complement the government’s idea of British/Human Values. We aim to develop all the pupils’ understanding of the importance of democracy, the rule of the law, freedom of speech and respect for others through the curriculum and extra curricula activities. They are also encouraged to understand the importance of taking responsibility for their own behaviour and thinking about the choices they make.
We take pride in sharing our 3 R’s Values with parents and carers. As a consequence of our values, we aim to provide all our pupils with a safe, caring and friendly environment in order to allow them to improve their life chances and help them maximise their potential.
We expect all pupils to act safely and feel safe in school, including understanding the issues relating to all forms of bullying, and that they have the confidence to seek support from the school should they feel that they or others are unsafe. We want parents/carers to feel confident that their children are safe and cared for in school and that incidents and problems, should they arise, are dealt with promptly and well.
The British Values at North Clifton Primary School
The DfE have recently 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.“
The government set out its definition of British values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy, and these values have been reiterated by the Prime Minister. At North Clifton we endeavour to ensure that all children are fully prepared for life in modern Britain. In actively promoting these values, we challenge those opinions or behaviours that are contrary to fundamental British values. We reinforce the government’s values regularly, in the following ways:
Democracy
Democracy underpins a lot of the work we undertake as a school. We actively encourage independence and have ensured that the pupil voice is reflected in the school daily. Everyone at North Clifton has a voice – everyone one is heard. The children have the opportunity to have their voices heard through our very active school council, through pupil interviews and questionnaires and through their very own School Development Plan. Children at North Clifton are always able to voice their opinions, in an environment where they feel safe to express themselves. We also ensure that the parent’s voice is heard. As a key member of our community the parent’s opinions must be sought after and including in our open dialogue between home and school. Regular meetings, assemblies, coffee mornings and questionnaires give each parent ample opportunity to share their views and opinions. Our open door policy means that all parents are welcome and are encouraged to play an active role in the school.
The Rule of Law
The importance of Laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced through the curriculum, school assemblies and external visitors. As a school, the children agree on the rules for behaviour every year through their Home-School Agreement and through the School Council Assemblies in September. All the children support the school ethos, one which instills good behaviour as the norm. All children are involved in the rewards and sanctions within school, understand the importance of making the correct choices and know the consequences for making the wrong choices. Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind laws; that they 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 are regular parts of our calendar and help reinforce this message.
Individual Liberty
We as a school actively encourage the children to make choices; knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. We ensure that we educate and provide boundaries for children to make choices, learn, grow, take responsibility for their behaviour and to do so safely. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised how to exercise these safely, for example through our E-Safety talks, PSHE lessons and the re-iteration of our schools ethos.
Mutual Respect
One of the fundamental aspect of the philosophy and caring nature of our school is respect. Posters around the school promote respect for others, as do the school rules and teacher’s expectations. Respect is consistent and discussed regularly with the children during assemblies, circle time and PSHE lessons. As a school we ensure that all children respect one another and can value everyone as individuals.
Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs
As a school we believe that this is achieved through enhancing pupils understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society and by giving them opportunities to experience such diversity. The school ensures that assemblies and discussions involving prejudices and prejudice-based bullying are delivered and that the key messages are then re-enforced through the curriculum. Through our equality objectives and the needs of the new National Curriculum, we provide the children with learning in context. We plan trips to cultural events and invite individuals to speak to the children to deepen their understanding. We have also developed a link with a multi-cultural, inner-city school, providing the opportunity for the children to embrace other cultures, share their experiences and learn from one another.