The Department for Education state 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.” At Hope School these values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways.

Democracy

Democracy is embedded at the school.  Pupils are always listened to by adults and are taught to listen carefully and with concern to each other, respecting the right of every individual to have their opinions and voices heard.  Pupils also have the opportunity to air their opinions and ideas in a range of ways such as questionnaires and pupil panels.  The elections of the school Eco Council members and ambasadors are based on staff and pupil votes reflecting our British electoral system and demonstrating democracy in action. In addition we organize visits to the local council through 'schools parliament ’ and we held ‘mock elections’ during the 2024 National Election so pupils learn how to argue and defend points of view.

The Rule of Law

The importance of laws whether they are those that govern the class, the school or the country, are consistently reinforced throughout our school day, through our school assemblies and also when addressing issues within school. We encourage our pupils to distinguish right from wrong and help pupils to understand that living under the rule of law protects individuals.  Our pupils are taught the value and reasons behind laws, that they govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken. Visits from the Police, Fire Service and 'choose life' service also help to reinforce our messages. Our restorative justice approach helps us to resolve conflicts.

Individual Liberty

Within school, pupils are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment.  As a school we educate and provide boundaries for our pupils to make choices safely, through the provision of a safe environment and an empowering education. We support pupils to develop their self-knowledge, self-esteem and self-confidence.  Our pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised how to exercise these safely; examples of this can be clearly seen in our e-safety (at the start of each half term) and PSHE lessons. We implement a strong anti-bullying culture and pride ourselves on being a non exclusion school. 

Mutual Respect

At the heart of our whole school ethos is a commitment to our core Values – a set of core values that we believe contribute to individuals being able to live happy and successful lives within the communities to which they belong. Each value has been chosen to underpin the need for mutual respect between our pupils and their peers, staff, their families and their wider community.  Our Values are taught through assemblies and PSHE sessions and form a key part of our daily dialogue across school.  Respect is promoted across school and it is deeply embedded in all that we do at the school.  The pupils know and understand that it is expected and imperative that respect is shown to everyone, whatever differences we may have and to everything, however big or small.  Our values underpin our work every day both in and out of the classroom. Our school frequently participates in learning activities which promote mutual respect including visits to a range of different places, vistors to school as well as us hosting Christmas Parties for local OAP's.  In addition to these activities our children are given regular opportunities to learn in within their community and beyond, each time an emphasis is placed on respecting those with whom they come into contact and their surroundings.   We also offer a breakfast club at least once per week for pupils to provide another opportunity for mutual respect to be secured in the attitudes of our pupils.

Tolerance of Those With Different Faiths And Beliefs

Our Values ensure tolerance of those who have different faiths and beliefs.  Hope School enhances pupils understanding of different faiths and beliefs through religious education studies; PSHE work; welcoming visitors from outside of the setting, and enjoying a depth of study about other cultures and belief systems during themed weeks. All year groups take part in a faith visit to a place of worship as part of our R.E. Curriculum.