The five values we promote

  • Democracy
  • The Rule of Law
  • Individual Liberty
  • Mutual Respect
  • Tolerance of those from Different Faiths and Beliefs

Democracy

Children have many opportunities for their voices to be heard. We have a pupil leadership team which meets regularly to discuss issues raised in class meetings. The PLT member from each class is voted for by their class. Children are able to share their views and ideas for the school through their PLT representative. In year 6 we have house captains. The candidates prepare a speech which they present to their house, children from year 1 to year 5. They then vote on who they want to be their house captains and vice-captains. Visits from local councillors help to reinforce the process and value of democracy.

The Rule of Law

At Sutton-at-Hone, the importance of laws – whether they are those that govern the class, the school or the country – are consistently reinforced. Our school has ‘Golden Rules’, which are deeply embedded in our work every day. Each class also discusses and sets its own rules that are clearly understood by all and seen to be necessary to ensure that every class member is able to learn in a safe and ordered environment. Our 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 help reinforce this message.

Individual Liberty

Our behaviour policy is underpinned by everyone’s rights and responsibilities. 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 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 Online Safety and PSHE lessons. Whether it be through a choice of learning challenge; of how they record; of participation in our extra-curricular and enrichment opportunities; pupils are given the freedom to make choices and the freedom to express their point of view.

Mutual Respect

Respect is an important value of our school and can be seen through our Christian vision and associated values, which are deeply embedded in all that we do at the school. The pupils know and understand that it is expected and imperative that respect is shown to everyone, whatever differences we may have, and to everything, however big or small. Children 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. Our school has high expectations where courtesy and good manners are shown towards all. Children treat others how they would want to be treated. Children are given the opportunity to reflect on behaviour and understand their impact upon others. As a Christian school, we value forgiveness and restore respect through this.

Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs

The significance and meaning in our Christian vision and associated values ensure tolerance of those who have different faiths and beliefs. Sutton-at-Hone Primary School enhances pupils’ understanding of different faiths and beliefs through our RE curriculum, which reinforces an understanding of other religions and cultures, as well as through our selection of texts in English and topics covered in History and Geography. Members of different faiths or religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school. Children visit places of worship that are important to different faiths as well as visiting our own church.