As a school we recognise the importance of British Values as they underpin the ethos of the school and are integral to how we interact as a community. We actively promote the fundamental British Values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.
Within the Prep School, teachers and pupils demonstrate and promote the values in the following ways:
Rule of Law:
We display our school rules and expectations around school.
We understand the consequences of breaking laws and rules.
Each class has a 'zone' board which children understand the rules.
As a class we create our own class rules at the start of every year.
We understand that living under the rule of law protects us.
We vote for who represents each class on the School Council.
Together we decide which charities we would like to raise money for.
We look at how democracy works in Britain.
Children are encouraged to make their own choices in school.
Children make choices about what to present in class assemblies.
Children are encouraged to take responsibility for their own behaviour.
As a school we aim to develop children’s self-knowledge, self-esteem and self-confidence.
As a school we make all visitors feel welcome in our school.
We treat each other with respect.
We work together to help one another.
Tolerance of those of different Faiths and Beliefs:
We visit and learn about different places of worship from different faiths.
We promote diversity through celebrations of different faiths and cultures.
We welcome everybody into our school, and encourage them to share their knowledge with us.
Within the Senior School we recognise, not only the importance of helping pupils to develop academically but also spiritually, morally, socially and culturally. Holy Trinity School is committed to actively promoting British values to ensure our pupils leave us fully prepared for life in modern Britain. The current government considers that British values are:
- The rule of law
- Individual liberty
- Mutual respect
- Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs
The examples that follow show some of the many ways Holy Trinity School seeks to embed British values.
The principle of democracy is consistently being reinforced at Holy Trinity School, with democracy processes being used for important decisions within the school community, for instance, pupils are involved in voting for the Student Action Group who in themselves are involved in key decisions around the school. The Head Students go through a process similar to party elections which is observed by the whole of senior school.
Departments include in suitable parts of the curriculum - as appropriate for the age of pupils - material on the strengths, advantages and disadvantages of democracy, and how democracy and the law works in Britain, in contrast to other forms of government in other countries e.g Year 7 1066 project.
The Rule of Law:
The importance of laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced at Holy Trinity School.
Pupils are taught the rules and expectations of the school, which have been supported by the introduction of prefects in senior school. Pupils are taught the value and the reasons behind laws that govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken. Visits from authorities such as the Police reinforce this message.
Holy Trinity School aims to help each student achieve self-confidence, initiative and independence. Our pupils are actively encouraged to make independent choices, with the knowledge that they are in a safe, secure and supportive environment. Staff at Holy Trinity School educate and provide boundaries for pupils to make informed choices, through a safe environment and an empowering education. We have introduced peer mentoring across year groups with Sixth Form pupils encouraged to raise awareness of mental health and wellbeing issues with Phase 2 and Phase 3 classes.
Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised on how to exercise these safely, for example through e-safety assemblies, tutor time & Form Period (also known as PSHE).
Holy Trinity School has a robust anti-bullying culture and has in place a comprehensive Behaviour Policy.
Respect is a strong part of Holy Trinity School and is part of our values. Pupils learn that their behaviours have an effect on their own rights and those of others. All members of the school community treat each other with respect and this is reiterated through our teaching and learning environments. Our pupils are regularly part of discussions that reinforce our school CARE principles and partake in assemblies related to what this means and how they are shown.
The school has been involved in a high level of charity work for both local and large charities.
Tolerance of Those of Different Faiths and Beliefs:
This is achieved though equipping pupils with the ability to understand their place in a culturally diverse society and by giving the opportunities to experience such diversity within the school community. The RE and Year 7 Humanities curriculum provides a broad and balanced education on a range of faiths, religions and cultures.
Holy Trinity School has a long-standing status as an International School and works in partnership with schools overseas and agencies to host international students and teach pupils about life in other countries and develop them as global citizens. This is reinforced by celebrating different cultures through themed days and events e.g Mexico Day.
Assemblies, RE, tutor time and form periods reinforce messages of tolerance and respect for others. Members of different faiths and religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school.