Democracy

Ensuring that all children understand democracy and its importance. Encouraging pupils to support and participate in the democratic processes in England and understand how citizens can influence decision making through the democratic process.

Pupil voice is significant in regards to life at Barons Court and there are a number of different pupil led groups which ensure the voices of all children within our school are represented. Such groups include: The Pupil Leadership Team, School Council, Mentors, Sports Captains and the Eco Council.   The PLT meet weekly with the Headteacher and the School Council meet monthly to ensure that all of the views of pupils are reflected upon and inform the decision making process within our school. Our pupil elected school representatives (Head Pupils, Sports Captains, School Council etc) play a strong role in our school and they are elected by their peers and are involved in enhancing the learning environment and experiences across our school. The pupils are able to request funding from the Trustees to enhance the learning experiences and provision. They have a great amount of input with regards to what and how they learn, which promotes pupil voice and genuinely enables them to effect change within the school. (For more information visit the PLT and pupil group information pages on our school website).

Pupils are also able to vote annually on the different charities they wish to support throughout the year. The children are encouraged to independently raise funds in a variety of different ways with the support from the whole school community.

We also value the views of all of our community. Throughout the school year we ask for feedback from parents and pupils on what we are doing well and for improvements that can be made to make us even better. Pupil questionnaires and interviews are conducted throughout the year. We know that promoting the active participation of our pupils will sow the seeds for a more sophisticated understanding of democracy in the future.

Supporting our chosen charities throughout the year

Rule of Law

To understand that people hold different views about what is right and wrong, however everyone living in England are subject to its law.

Our pupils will encounter rules and laws throughout their entire lives. We want our pupils to understand that whether these laws govern their learning space, the school, the local community or the country, they are set for good reasons and must be adhered to. This understanding of the importance of our school agreements are consistently reinforced through assemblies and our curriculum (for example, learning behaviours). The involvement of our pupils in the creation of the school and phase agreements helps them to understand the reasons behind rules and the consequences if they are broken. Through philosophical enquiry we allow opportunity to debate and discuss the reasons for laws so that children can recognise the importance of these for their own protection. Throughout the year we welcome visits from members of the wider community including the police, war veterans, the fire brigade and many more. We believe that clear explanations emphasise the importance of the rule of law for our pupils.

Understanding the importance of rules

Individual Liberty

Ensuring that children understand that they, and all other citizens have the right to express themselves and their views freely.

We invest a great deal of time in creating a positive culture in our school, so that children are in a safe environment where choices and freedoms are encouraged. We offer a range of clubs which pupils have the freedom to choose from, based on their interests. Through our E-Safety and PSHE sessions, we educate children on their rights and personal freedoms as well as supporting them in recognising how to exercise these freedoms safely. At Barons Court we believe that valuing choice and freedom in daily school life will foster a value for individual liberty as the children embark upon their adult lives. We are committed to ensuring that all of our pupils develop their skills of independence, collaboration, co-operation and problem solving to enable a true love of learning.

Developing independence, collaboration and problem solving

Mutual Respect

Respect others and their views and create harmony between different cultural traditions by encouraging children to acquire an appreciation of and respect for their own and other cultures.

Mutual respect is at the core of our school life. Children learn to treat each other and staff with great respect. This is evident when walking around the school and in the learning spaces. Our school has a strong family atmosphere and sense of community and offers a variety of development opportunities for all our children, parents and staff. Children are encouraged to articulate their thoughts and feelings in a safe and respectful environment. Our pupils will discuss aspects that affect them as they know we listen and value what they are saying.

Anti-Bullying and Respect Curriculum

•  Our Songs About Mutual Respect - Anti-Bullying
  Year 4 song writing workshop
• Our Songs About Mutual Respect - Anti-Bullying
  Year 5 song writing workshop

PLT Report to the Governing Body

plt report on equality and diversity.pdf

Tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs

 To show an acceptance that other people having different faiths or beliefs should be accepted and tolerated and should not experience prejudicial or discriminatory behaviour.

At Barons Court we offer a culturally rich and diverse curriculum in which all major religions are studied and respected. We actively promote diversity through our celebrations of different faiths and cultures and we have received the 'Equality and Diversity' award which was presented to our Pupil Leadership Team in recognition of the hard work of the whole school community. Religious Education lessons, assemblies and PSHE lessons reinforce messages of tolerance and respect for others. Within our school we strongly believe that tolerance is gained through knowledge and understanding. Through our curriculum and the routines of our daily school life, we strive to demonstrate tolerance and help children to become knowledgeable and understanding citizens who can build a better Britain for the future.

Celebrating Differences