At Sandhurst Primary School we are committed to the development of positive community links and the prevention of extremism and radicalisation both within our school's physical boundaries and within our local, national and global environments. We are also committed to responding to community concerns in a positive way which supports British democratic society.
We believe that sharing our values with parents, carers and our community is essential in supporting the children through their journey in school and life. We acknowledge and understand the importance of the role that our community has to play and appreciate the need to inform them of the values work that we do. We do this through our school website and newsletters, school collective worships and assemblies, and inviting parents and carers to share in the life of the school.
Democracy plays a key role within the day to day life of our school. Pupils have the opportunity to have their voices heard through our proactive School and Council, through Pupil questionnaires and through talking to school Governors. Elections are held for positions of responsibility and opportunities such as choosing House/Vice Captains and the School Council. Individual pupils also have the opportunity to put themselves forward for roles and responsibilities such as the School Council and for the older children playground leaders.
The importance of laws, whether they are those that govern the class, the school or the country, are reinforced during the school day, as well as when dealing with behaviour and through school assemblies. 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. Each class has the option to add their own class rules to supplement the School Rules and codes of conduct which they adhere to. Every child discusses and signs a Pupil e-Safety Acceptable Usage Pledge. We encourage visits from community authority figures such as the Local Police, Fire Service, etc who all help to reinforce this message. We have a restorative approach to pupil behaviour.
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 young pupils to make choices safely, through the provision of a safe environment and empowering education. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms as well as teaching them that how they act can impact positively and negatively on others. They are advised on how to exercise these freedoms safely, for example through our e-safety and PSHE lessons. Whether it is through choice of challenge, how they record their work or participate in our numerous extra-curricular clubs and opportunities, pupils are given the freedom to make choices.
Respect for each other, for our school and to others in our community is an integral part of our school ethos and Behaviour Policy. Pupils see staff model this by treating each other with respect and courtesy and we promote this in the way our children interact with each other in their classes and during social times; "Sandhurst Star Tokens" are given to children who role model high standards of good citizenship. Mutual respect and fair play is also discussed within sports based activities.
This is achieved through enhancing pupils understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society and by giving them opportunities to experience such diversity. Opportunities to share and discuss this message occur through Religious Education lessons and discussions involving prejudices and prejudice-based bullying have been promoted through PSHE, Circle Time and Anti-Bullying weeks as well as taking opportunities to tackle this during every day school life. Children listen to faith stories from other religions and have the opportunity to discuss these during Religious Education lessons.
Sandhurst Primary School will provide a happy, caring and stimulating environment rooted in Christian values in which every child will flourish. We will realise the potential of every child and instil a lifelong love of learning. Our approach to teaching and learning will be inclusive, supportive and innovative and will embrace new education initiatives and leading technology. We will ensure that our children are aware of the world in which they live, understand the need to play an active role within the local and wider community and appreciate the importance of living a sustainable way of life. In partnership with parents and carers, we will help our children to build high self-esteem, independence and resilience and to develop the life skills they need for their future in an ever-changing world.