The school has developed a core value that threads through every class and aspect of school life. We have created a growth mindset culture which recognises 6 key skills that enable our children to become powerful, determined and successful learners.

This is known as              ASPIRE

Come and read all about it in our children's pages, and see it in our classrooms.

British Values at Swanage Primary school

British Values Statement

At Swanage Primary School we value the diversity of backgrounds of all pupils, families and the wider school community.  

The Department for Education states that there is a need:

“To create and enforce a clear and rigorous expectation on all schools to promote the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs”.

The Department for Education defines British Values as follows:

• Respect for democracy and support or participation in the democratic process
• Respect for the basis on which the law is made and applies in England
• Support for equality of opportunity for all
• Support and respect for the liberties of all within the law
• Respect for and tolerance of different faiths and religious and other beliefs

Our school reflects British values in all that we do.  We aim to nurture our children on their journey through life so they can grow into safe, caring, democratic, responsible and tolerant adults who make a positive difference to British society and to the world. We encourage our children to be creative, unique, open-minded and independent individuals, respectful of themselves and of others in our school, our local community and the wider world.  Wherever possible, we take a global approach to learning by introducing themes from the perspective of other people in other countries.

At SPS, we actively promote British values in the following ways:

DEMOCRACY

• House captains/School Council/Eco reps etc - All children are encouraged to debate topics of interest, express their views and make a meaningful contribution to the running of the school on matters that directly involve pupils.  Children also have the opportunity to have their voices heard through pupil questionnaires and pupil surveys.
• The principle of democracy is explored in the curriculum as well as during assemblies and special days

RULE OF LAW

• Our school follows our school rules which are integral to our learning and ethos every day.
• School rules and expectations are clear, fair and regularly promoted.
• Pupils are always helped to distinguish right from wrong, in the classroom, during assemblies and on the playground.
• Pupils are regularly reminded about their ‘Rights and Responsibilities’ and about how these are linked.
• Pupils are encouraged to respect the law and SPS enjoys visits from authorities such as the Police, Fire Service, Ambulance, etc. to help reinforce this message
• Our behaviour policy states a zero tolerance baseline for any form of aggression, abuse or violence, which extends to pupils, staff and parents and carers.

INDIVIDUAL LIBERTY

• Within school, pupils are actively encouraged, and given the freedom to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. eg. by signing up for extra-curricular clubs.
• Pupils are supported to develop their self-knowledge, self-esteem and self-confidence.
• Pupils are encouraged to take responsibility for their behaviour and our pastoral support reinforces the importance of making the right choices.
• Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised how to exercise these safely, for example through our e-safety teaching and PSHCE lessons.
• Vulnerable pupils are protected and stereotypes challenged.  A strong anti-bullying culture is embedded in the school and any form of bullying is challenged and addressed.  
• Pupils have key roles and responsibilities in school e.g. Year 6 sports leaders,  playground leaders, school council representatives in each class, eco reps in each class.

MUTUAL RESPECT AND TOLERANCE OF THOSE WITH DIFFERENT FAITHS AND BELIEFS

• Respect is one of the core values of our school.  Pupils know and understand that it is expected that respect is shown to everyone, adults and children.
• Pupils are helped to acquire an understanding of, and respect for, their own and other cultures and ways of life.
• Staff and pupils are encouraged to challenge prejudicial or discriminatory behaviour.
• Links and visits are promoted with local faith communities and places of worship. e.g. Members of different faiths or religions are invited to school to share their knowledge and enhance learning within assemblies and in class.
• Through the PSHE and RE curriculums pupils are encouraged to discuss and respect differences between people such as differences of faith, ethnicity, disability, gender or sexuality and differences of family situations.
• We offer a culturally rich and diverse curriculum in which all major religions are studied and respected and global dimension work embedded in many of our humanities topics and discrete language lessons (French/German).  These curriculum topics offer children the chance to reflect on our core values and British values.