At Lady Katherine Leveson, we promote fundamental British values through our Christian character, ethos, the curriculum, and our Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural development. We reinforce and promote British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance.
Democracy
Children have many opportunities for their voices to be heard. Classes hold annual elections in order to select school council members for each year group. The school council meets regularly to discuss issues raised by pupils. The School Council contributes to the development of the school, such as reviewing our Behaviour Policy, suggesting improvements for our playground and giving feedback on school dinners.
Individual Liberty
Within school, 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 pupils to make choices safely, through provision of a safe environment and 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 our E-Safety lessons. Whether it be through choice of learning challenge, of how they record, of participation in our numerous extra-curricular clubs and opportunities, pupils are given the freedom to make choices. Pupils are also allowed to choose their preference for theme days, as well as choose clubs, activities at lunch and break, and which toys to bring in and play with their friends. In PE lessons and sporting competitions, we promote the concept of ‘fair play’, following and developing rules, inclusion of others, and being competitive in an appropriate way.
Tolerance of those of different faiths, faith traditions and beliefs
Within our school, we constantly promote tolerance towards others from different backgrounds, cultures, languages, faiths and beliefs. Our Religious Education syllabus, Personal, Social, Health and Emotional curriculum and Christian character reinforce our commitment towards a tolerant society. Members of different faiths or religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school and children visit places of worship that are important to different faiths. At every opportunity, we explore the similarities between religions and cultures. Our curriculum is written to include a range of positive role-models from all aspects of society.
The Rule of Law
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. The importance of laws, whether they be those in class, the school or the country are reinforced in school regularly through the our curriculum and collective worship. Across the school, class charters are agreed at the start of each new year. All pupils are reminded our three consistent expectations of everyone at school: READY – RESPECTFUL – SAFE. We discuss with the children and make clear the consequences when rules in school and laws of the land are broken. We arrange visitors to speak with the children such as the Police to discuss road safety, Bikeability, Fire safety and the NSPCC.
Mutual Respect
Respect is at the heart of all that we do. It is a core school value and part of our ready, respectful, safe guiding principles. Our vision statement is about celebrating joyfully the differences and similarities of people across the world. It is also reflected in the relationships and interactions between all members of our community – whatever their position or relationship within or with the school.