British Values at Thames View Junior School

At Thames View Junior School, our motto is "Striving for Excellence", and our vision is to ensure that every child is valued, supported and inspired to reach their full potential. As a diverse and inclusive school community, we actively promote the fundamental British Values of Democracy, The Rule of Law, Individual Liberty, Mutual Respect, and Tolerance of Different Faiths and Beliefs through our curriculum, enrichment opportunities and everyday school life. Our aim is to prepare pupils to become confident, responsible and respectful citizens who are ready to positively embrace life in modern Britain.

At Thames View Junior School, everybody has a voice and is valued. Positive relationships between staff, pupils and families help our children flourish in a safe and nurturing environment where respect, tolerance and ambition underpin everything we do. Our broad and balanced curriculum celebrates the rich diversity of our school community and helps pupils develop the knowledge, skills and understanding needed to thrive in a modern, multicultural society.

Democracy

The concept of pupil voice is central to life at Thames View Junior School. We believe children should have opportunities to contribute to decision-making and help shape their school experiences. Through these experiences, pupils develop an understanding of democratic processes and learn the importance of listening to different viewpoints.

We promote democracy through:

  • Elections of class representatives and School Ambassadors.
  • Regular pupil forums where children discuss and influence matters important to them.
  • Pupil-led questionnaires, surveys and interviews that help inform school decisions.
  • Opportunities for children to share their opinions, ideas and suggestions in a respectful manner.
  • Encouraging pupils to take an active role in school improvement and community projects. 

The Rule of Law

At Thames View Junior School, we help pupils understand that rules are essential for creating a safe, happy and successful community. Children learn that laws and rules protect individuals and promote fairness, helping everyone to make positive choices and understand the consequences of their actions.

We support this understanding through:

  • Clear school rules and consistent expectations.
  • PSHE lessons and assemblies that reinforce positive behaviour and responsibility.
  • The Junior Citizens Programme and visits from emergency services.
  • Opportunities for pupils to take on leadership and responsibility within the school community.
  • Encouraging children to reflect on the impact of their decisions on themselves and others. 

Individual Liberty

We nurture pupils in a safe and supportive environment where they are encouraged to develop independence, confidence and resilience. Children are taught how to make informed choices, understand their rights and responsibilities, and recognise how their actions affect others.

We promote individual liberty through:

  • Comprehensive safeguarding and e-safety education.
  • Visits and presentations from emergency service professionals and other experts.
  • A curriculum that celebrates inspirational role models from different backgrounds and cultures.
  • Opportunities for children to develop their interests, talents and aspirations.
  • Encouraging pupils to take responsibility for their own learning and personal development. 

Mutual Respect

Respect is a core value of our school community. We teach children the importance of kindness, empathy and consideration for others, helping them build positive relationships and contribute positively to society.

We cultivate mutual respect by:

  • Teaching and embedding our school values, ethos and expectations.
  • Following the Jigsaw Charter, which promotes respectful interaction and positive communication.
  • Encouraging children to challenge prejudice and discrimination in all its forms.
  • Recognising and celebrating individual achievements and contributions.
  • Providing opportunities for collaborative learning and teamwork.
  • Promoting respectful behaviour through assemblies, PSHE lessons and daily interactions.

Tolerance of Different Faiths and Beliefs

As a proudly multicultural school, we actively encourage pupils to develop an understanding and appreciation of different cultures, religions, traditions and ways of life. We believe that learning about others helps children become compassionate, open-minded and respectful members of society.

We achieve this through:

  • A rich and engaging Religious Education curriculum.
  • Cultural celebrations, themed events and enrichment activities.
  • School visits and educational trips that broaden children's experiences.
  • PSHE lessons and assemblies that explore diversity and life in modern Britain.
  • Learning opportunities that celebrate the cultural richness of our local and wider communities.
  • Encouraging children to recognise both the similarities and differences that make our society unique and vibrant. 

Preparing Children for Life in Modern Britain

Through our commitment to British Values, our curriculum and our school ethos, Thames View Junior School equips pupils with the knowledge, skills and character needed to become active, respectful and responsible citizens. We strive to ensure that every child leaves our school with the confidence to contribute positively to their community and the wider world, living out our motto of "Striving for Excellence" in all that they do.

Please find attached the School’s statement.

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