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Palace Wood

Primary School

From little acorns, mighty oaks grow

British Values

 

All schools have a responsibility “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.”

At Palace Wood Primary School we promote these values in the following ways

Democracy

At the beginning of each year children affirm the school’s expectations and the rights and responsibilities associated with these.  We have a Pupil leadership team to which members are voted in each year by their peers. Children understand that a place on the Pupil leadership team comes with the responsibility of representing their peers’ needs and interests. We encourage children to be leaders throughout the school and we have a number of activities and responsibilities that are undertaken by the children. For example, we have Peer mediators and Eco Warriors. Democracy is taught during assemblies and during circle times and class-based PSHE sessions.

 

The Rule of Law

Behaviour and safety at Palace Wood are a priority. Children know what is expected of them, why rules are so important, and what the consequences are if they do not follow them. Children at Palace Wood are well aware that their sustained excellent behaviour enables them to achieve their full potential.  Children develop an understanding of personal responsibility and develop independence in managing relationships and behaviour. Through our whole school approach to restorative justice, we enable children to develop the language and strategies to solve conflict and right wrongs. At Palace Wood we offer a range of exciting opportunities for children to be leaders throughout the school, and they understand that the rules they have created for their classes permeate through all activities and events. Children understand that their behaviour and regard for the rules extends beyond the school itself, such as being school ambassadors whilst on school visits.

 

Individual Liberty

Palace Wood is a safe place for children and cultivates an atmosphere in which children can make choices about their school life in a supportive environment.  We educate our pupils to know that they have boundaries within which they may make choices safely, through the provision of a nurturing mind-set and empowering education. 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 our E-Safety and PSHE lessons. Whether it is through choice of challenge, of how they record, or of participation in our numerous extra-curricular clubs and opportunities, pupils are given the freedom to make choices.  From the very start of their school-life children are encouraged to challenge their personal best by giving them ownership of their own learning. Children regularly have next steps shared with them, whether verbally or with 'green for growth' written feedback in books so they know exactly what they can do to progress.

 

Mutual Respect

The ethos of our school nurtures an understanding of mutual respect and it underpins the engaging and exciting teaching and learning that happens here.  School life at Palace Wood abides by our values - courage, compassion, challenge and curiosity. The children and all staff understand our values and work in a manner that encourages everyone to achieve to their highest ability. Assemblies are linked to our school and British values and we celebrate achievement, positive attitudes and hard work regularly. Learning and effort are highly respected across the school.

 

Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs
Palace Wood is a culturally diverse school. We regularly hold whole-school assemblies to celebrate and learn about religious festivals that happen throughout the school year.  Our core values ensure children develop compassion and respect for all.  This year we held a successful Cultural Day on Martin Luther King Jnr day.