British Values

In June 2014, David Cameron emphasised the important role of British values in education. In November 2014, the Department for Education published guidance on the promotion of British values in the school curriculum. At Castle East School this underpins so much of the work that we do. The promotion of British values is firmly established in our curricular and extra-curricular programmes as well as being embedded in our ethos and culture.

Democracy                                                                                                                                                                                                          

The principles of democracy are promoted through many school activities. Our Pupil Wellbeing Committee elections are conducted democratically. The process reflects the British electoral system and demonstrates democracy in action. Pupils stand for election, vote in a secret ballot and are given an understanding of electoral processes. Pupil voice is heard through this body and through many activities at curriculum and tutor group level. Regular pupil surveys also take place throughout the year. 

The Rule of Law                                                                                                                                                                                                

The importance of rules, whether they be those which govern the country, the school or the class is consistently reinforced in our day to day school activities. Pupils understand the value of and reasons for the rules which govern and protect us, the responsibilities associated with them and the consequences when laws are broken. Through curricular programmes in humanities, PSHE and through our assembly focus the place of the Rule of Law within our society is explored. Legal issues are highlighted across many curriculum areas in connection with specific topics.

Individual Liberty                                                                                                                                                                                            

Within school our 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 choices safely, through the provision of a safe environment and an empowering education. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and consider how to exercise these safely, for example through our IT, PSHE and 3H curriculum. Our extra-curricular clubs and opportunities give pupils the freedom to choose participation and challenge.

Mutual Respect                                                                                                                                                                                                

Our core values are based on mutual respect. Our Behaviour and Attitudes Policy which highlights learning expectations is based on respect for each other in a mutually supportive learning environment. Other policies such as Anti-Bullying all reinforce the principles of mutual respect which are at the heart of our school. Our pupils know and understand that it is expected and imperative that respect is shown to everyone, whatever differences we may have, and to everything, whether it is a school resource, a religious belief or a philosophical view. Pupils learn that their behaviour choices have an effect on their own rights and those of others. All members of the school community should treat each other with respect. Our day to day procedures, classroom expectations, social interactions and professional relationship are all based on a clear expectation that mutual respect is at the heart of our organisation.

Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs.

Through enhancing pupils understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society and by giving them opportunities to appreciate such diversity, we promote tolerance of different beliefs. Through our Religious Education curriculum, pupils develop an understanding of a variety of beliefs. Assemblies on themes such as anti-bullying and prejudice ensure that pupils are encouraged to tolerate and embrace difference. Our Behaviour and Attitudes Policy and Anti-Bullying Policy ensure that prejudice related incidents are challenged, resolved, recorded and reported to Governors.

It should be noted that whilst tolerance is actively promoted, we would actively challenge pupils, staff, parents or governors expressing opinions contrary to fundamental British values, including extremist views.

Ethos and Vision                                                                                                                                                                                              

At Castle EAST School our GROW Ethos underpins our approach to everything we say and everything we do.

At Castle EAST School we believe in the concept of lifelong learning and that learning should be an engaging, rewarding and enjoyable experience for everyone; it should be purposeful. Through our teaching, we equip pupils with the skills, knowledge and understanding necessary to be able to make informed choices about the important things in their lives.

Through our teaching pupils are encouraged to:

• Listen to each other
• Try new things
• Volunteer thoughts and opinions
• Respect the thoughts, ideas and contributions of others
• Work hard.

To encourage all pupils to contribute to lessons, teachers:

• Recognise engagement and participation
• Use a range of techniques to support pupils’ sensory needs
• Adapt teaching to meet the needs of all pupils
• Allow sufficient thinking time between questions to allow pupils to consider their responses
• Plan time in their lessons for pupils to discuss their learning, ask and answer questions promoting pupil talk.
• Have positive regard for every child and demonstrate this through a nurturing approach.

We believe that appropriate teaching and learning experiences help pupils to lead happy and rewarding lives. All pupils at Castle EAST School have a communication and interaction difficulty, so we believe that innovative and creative teaching is essential to enable pupils to achieve their potential from individual starting points.