BRITISH VALUES
Holy Trinity First School takes its responsibility towards the development and nurturing of its pupils deeper understanding of their spiritual, moral, social and cultural (SMSC) development seriously. We understand that through pupils’ SMSC development, they are able to understand and be better informed as to what fundamental British values are and how they relate to their own life and those of others.
Our school has a strong vision and ethos based upon the teachings of Christianity. It is embedded in all that we do be it collective worship or in our curricular studies within and outside of the classroom. At Holy Trinity, we do not work in isolation, but form meaningful sustainable links within our local community and its church, as well as in the wider Berwick area. Our children live in a largely mono-cultural community and so we encourage discussions and understanding of more diverse communities nationally and internationally.
Our approach is based upon developing an understanding, tolerance and respect for all faiths, races and cultures. For this to happen, we ensure that our pupils understand the difference between ‘right’ and ‘wrong’. They appreciate that there may be discussion and debate because of varying viewpoints, however, ultimately the Rule of Law under which they live, must be followed and be applied equally to all. They see this in action for instance, in their pupil elected School Council, as well as within their classrooms and across the school more broadly in our daily interactions. Our pupils understand that the principle of the Rule of Law is reflected in their wider society.
We set high expectations of behaviour from all stakeholders of our school community. Our pupils are encouraged to become active positive members of the school and society in general. They understand that they can contribute positively to the lives of those around them and to society nationally and internationally. We have high expectations of our pupils and encourage them to accept responsibility for their own behaviour and show initiative and respect for other people. This in turn encourages them to further develop their own self-knowledge, self-esteem and self-confidence.
We understand that we must prepare our children to become positive active citizens in an increasingly complex international world. To help them succeed, once our pupils leave our school, they will have acquired an understanding of the need for tolerance and harmony between different cultural traditions as well as an appreciation of and respect for their own and other cultures. They will know and respect that by living under the Rule of Law individual citizens are protected and that this is essential for their wellbeing and safety as well as that of others.
Our pupils on leaving our school will know that there are many conflicting viewpoints in many areas of life but that this should not be the cause of prejudicial or discriminatory behaviour. They will understand that in Britain there is the freedom to choose and hold other faiths and beliefs, protected in law. They will also appreciate that all can influence decision-making through the democratic process that is open to scrutiny and can be called to account.
At Holy Trinity we uphold the Equalities Act and help our children to understand each of the protected characteristics.