British Values at Thorndon Primary School
We take seriously our responsibilities to prepare the children for life in modern Britain. We ensure these British Values are introduced, discussed and lived out through the ethos and work of the school. Children are taught to believe in themselves and pursue excellence through hard work, within a climate of high expectations and support. At Thorndon, our children benefit from a broad and balanced curriculum which contain units of work which are underpinned by British values and British culture.
Values of tolerance and respect permeate all areas of school life. Our children feel safe and secure and work towards the fulfilment of their potential.
Our PSHE and RE Curriculums encourage respect and appreciation of everyone and their individual beliefs and values.
As a Church of England School we teach these values and Christian ideas underpin our vision and ethos. We encourage tolerance and value everyone. Children are rewarded for effort, kindness and thoughtfulness. We work closely with the Diocese of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich and our school is regularly inspected by the National Society of Anglican and Methodist Schools.
At Thorndon Primary School, these values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways:
Democracy
Democracy is embedded at our school. Pupils are listened to by adults and are taught to actively listen to one another, respecting the right of every individual to have their opinions and voices heard. Pupils have the opportunity to share opinions and ideas through the School Council and regular 'pupil voice' questionnaires. Elections of the School Council members are based solely on pupil votes after each child has shared their manifesto with their class. This was designed to reflect the British electoral system.
The Rule of Law
Staff consistently reinforce high expectations of pupils. Whenever appropriate pupils are taught the value and reasons behind these expectations (rules), that they are there to protect us, everyone has responsibility and there may be consequences when rules are disregarded.
Individual Liberty
Within school, pupils are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. Our children are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised how to exercise these safely through many curriculum subjects, particularly in PSHE and online safety lessons.
Mutual Respect
Respect is an important value to the children and staff of Thorndon Primary school and it is deeply embedded in learning and behaviour. Children understand that it is expected and that it is imperative that respect to shown to everyone, whatever differences we may have, and to everything, however big or small. It underpins our work every day, both in and out of the classroom.
Tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs
The school's curriculum aims to develop understanding of the world. The RE and PSHE schemes of work provide opportunities for pupils to develop tolerance of and empathy towards those from different faiths, beliefs and cultures.