Here at Rodmersham, we strive to promote and secure British values throughout our curriculum and ethos. This statement demonstrates our commitment to not only promoting British Values but also celebrating 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 directly impacted 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 how 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. We support children who find this challenging 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, and participating in activities in free-choice opportunities. Independence is promoted throughout the curriculum.

• Our staff role model democratic behaviours

• Ideas and opinions are 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 previously covered by such laws have explored issues of crime and punishment and equality and discrimination.

We also recognise the importance of educating children about working within the law's boundaries.

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Across all school phases, we encourage children to make responsible choices about 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 and maintain order, facilitating consistent and fair learning.

• 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

• Rare incidents of discrimination or bullying are not tolerated and dealt with promptly

• 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 safeguarding concern

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

• The school community models attitudes and behaviours expected by the children

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Across all school phases, we encourage children to make responsible choices about their behaviour or our teaching and learning. Classes determine their own ‘contracts’ or rules that align with our school rules but allow children to choose 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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When transitioning, children can make their own choices about their learning challenges or free-play activities in EYFS and KS1. This is demonstrated through teaching questioning skills, allowing children to pose questions about topics they are learning. Teaching is then tailored to answer these questions and thereby engage all. Children can also exercise their freedom by participating in numerous extracurricular clubs and opportunities.

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How does Rodmersham promote Individual Liberty:

• Our pupils can 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.

• Pupils' individual needs are planned for, for example, through an adapted curriculum, Provision Plans, and interventions.

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

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

• Per our Managing and Motivating Behaviour Policy, pupils are encouraged to take responsibility for their actions.

• 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 contribute positively to the broader community, for example, through Charity days 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, 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. We also encourage children to question the world around them in a respectful way. Our RE curriculum enables children to do this by exploring the world's various religions and considering their views in relation to these. 

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Our curriculum and events throughout our school calendar reflect our aim to teach and educate about diversity. 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 where children can 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 various 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 celebrating diversity are planned into our learning.

• Parents, carers, staff, and the wider community are consulted on decisions about the school affecting them or the pupils.

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

• Staff role models working together as a team.

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

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