Here at Rodmersham we strive to promote and secure British values throughout our curriculum and ethos. This statement demonstrates our commitment to not only promote British Values but, also, to celebrate them.

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We recognise the importance of embedding an understanding of valuing everyone’s opinion. The opinions and decisions of the school council and its elected members have had a direct impact on the teaching and learning within our community. The curriculum itself also reflects a desire to educate our learners about the various systems of democracy around the world both past and present. For instance, history topics study the ways in which other civilisations have been ruled and contrast these to our current British system of democracy.

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How Rodmersham promotes the British value of Democracy:

• Our children have the opportunity to stand for and vote in elections such as Head Student, the Learning Forum and the School Council

• Our older children understand the meaning of debate and democracy.  They have opportunities to visit the Houses of Parliament.

• Our children understand the importance of taking turns and sharing, for children who find this challenging we support with interventions such as Lego Therapy.

• Our children are given lots of opportunities to make their own decisions, such as choosing their own reading books, selecting clubs, activities in free choice opportunities and independence is promoted throughout many opportunities in the currciulum.

• Our staff role model democratic behaviours

• Ideas and opinions and shared and celebrated

• Families voices are heard through questionnaires, showcase events and our open door policy

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We encourage learners to understand and respect the laws of our country and contrast these with similar sanctions imposed around the world. Through philosophy, we explore the principles behind setting such rules for society and enable learners to think about the suitability and appropriateness of such rules. For example, philosophy topics which have previously covered such laws have explored issues of crime and punishment and equality and discrimination.

We also recognise the importance of educating children about how to work within the boundaries of the law.

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Across all school phases, we encourage children to make responsible choices whether in relation to their behaviour or our teaching and learning. Classes determine their own ‘contracts’ or rules which are in line with our school rules but allow children to determine the conditions for learning that will best benefit them.  

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How we promote the Rule of Law at Rodmersham:

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• School rules and boundaries are clear for all pupils and families

• Our school rules ensure that our children are kept safe, maintain order that facilitates that learning is consistent and fair

• Our children are taught the difference between right and wrong

• Our children have opportunities to experience real life rules, such when attending cycling proficiency, police visits and road safety workshops

• We actively take measures to prevent discrimination within our school, through our Code of Conduct and policies such as our anti bullying policy

• Very rare incidents of discrimination or bullying are not tolerated and dealt with in a timely manner

• Where possible curriculum links are made to the rule of the law

• All staff have an understanding of safeguarding and know how to report a safeguard concern

• During outside activities, such as playtimes or during PE the children know, understand and follow the rules

• The school community models attitudes and behaviours expectected by the childrens

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Across all school phases, we encourage children to make responsible choices whether in relation to their behaviour or our teaching and learning. Classes determine their own ‘contracts’ or rules which are in line with our school rules but allow children to determine the conditions for learning that will best benefit them.  We also have a very active School Council, and a widely recognised 'child voice' in many areas of the school.

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Children are able to make their own choices in relation to their learning challenges or free play activities in EYFS and KS1 when transitioning. This is demonstrated through teaching questioning  skills which allow children to pose questions about topics they are learning. Teaching is then tailored to answer these questions and thereby engage all. Children are also able to exercise their own freedom choosing to participate in numerous extra-curricular clubs and opportunities.

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How does Rodmersham promote Individual Liberty:

• Our pupils have the opportunity to initiate ideas, for example, through pupil voice and the school council.

• There are opportunities in lesson time to express ideas and opinions.

• The opinions of pupils are listened to in an age-appropriate manner.

• The individual needs of pupils are planned for, for example, through an adapted curriculum, Provision Plans and interventions.

• Our pupils have access to a broad and rich curriculum, which includes indoor and outdoor learning, trips and workshops.

• We take appropriate action is taken to build pupils’ knowledge, self-confidence and self esteem.

• Pupils are encouraged to take responsibility for their actions as per our Managing and Motivating Behaviour Policy

• Pupils are encouraged, through everyday learning, to make good choices.

• The views of all other stakeholders within the school (parents, carers, staff and governors) are listened to.

• Pupils, and all stakeholders, are encouraged to positively contribute to the wider community, for example through Charity day and environmental awareness days.

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Rodmersham is a caring school where diversity is encouraged and celebrating difference is fundamental. The concept of mutual respect is addressed through philosophy topics, RE lessons and PSHE, assemblies and sessions. For instance, philosophy topics include understanding and celebrating the differences between men and women and PSHE assemblies address concepts such as bullying, Remembrance Day and freedom of choice.

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Children are encouraged to work both cooperatively and independently with a wide variety of activities involving group or paired work and we encourage children to question the world around them in a respectful way. Our RE curriculum enables children to do this by exploring the various religions of the world and considering their own views in relation to these. 

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Our aim to teach and educate about diversity is reflected in our curriculum and events throughout our school calendar. Children are encouraged to share their life experiences of their own cultures and ask questions regarding the faiths and beliefs of others.

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How does Rodmersham promote mutual respect and tolerance:

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• We hold regular talent shows or competitions in which children are given the opportunity to shine.

• The values of tolerance and respect are promoted in the school through assemblies and the curriculum.

• The curriculum includes teaching awareness and appreciation for a variety of faiths and cultures.

• A diverse range of cultural and religious festivals are celebrated through assemblies, celebration days and our curriculum 

• Individuality is celebrated.

• Trips, visits and workshops, which celebrate diversity, are planned into our learning.

• Parents, carers, staff and the wider community are consulted on decisions relating to the school, which will affect them or the pupils.

• All members of the parent and carer community are made to feel welcome, regardless of their language; for example, letters going home are translated, translators are available if necessary, staff are trained to support EAL pupils/parents/carers.

• Staff role model working together as a team.

• School policies are written to prevent any form of discrimination towards pupils,staff, parents, carers and the wider community.

• Instances of religious or cultural prejudice or discrimination are treated seriously and in line with a school policy.​