Patcham Junior School

Democracy

Each year the children decide upon their class charter and the rights and responsibilities associated with these. All the children contribute to the drawing up of the class charter.

We have a student council which meets fortnightly with the Deputy Headteacher to discuss issues raised in class school council meetings. The School Council also meet with other school councils to recognise how they implement change in a democratic way. The School council has visited a local bank, and will soon have their own budget to help fund change in school according to the wishes and votes of class members. Every child on the student council is voted in by their class.

Alongside the School Council are the advocates, who help shape change through their observations of school life. This is led by the SENCO who holds meetings once a term, using Pupil Voice questionnaires as an aid to prompt agenda items in both Advocate and SLT meetings. Children are able to contribute to a feedback of their annual reports, and their views are analysed and shared by the Headteacher.

The Rule of Law

The importance of laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced at Patcham Junior School.

Pupils know about the rules of our school through every day engagement and the reward and sanction systems that are in place. Rules are displayed in every class and the playground involving wet play rules, lunch rules etc. Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind rules and laws, and recognise that they govern and protect us. They realise the consequences when these rules are broken and how breaking the law can have impacts on wider society. Visits from authorities such as the Police and Fire Service help reinforce this message.

Individual Liberty

At Patcham Junior School, children make use of Growth Mindset animals which encourage learning behaviours, and the liberty to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. Our school mission statement is Engage. Encourage. Endeavour. This applies to every child who is encouraged to reach their personal potential. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and advised how to exercise these safely.

For example through our eSafety and PSHE lessons. Protective behaviours: Feeling Good. Feeling Safe materials help the children recognise that it is their right to feel safe and protected at all times, and give examples of networks and support agencies that can help and support their individual liberty.

Mutual Respect

Mutual respect is evident through the atmosphere of the school. People support and care for each other and model respectful behaviours. Children learn that their behaviours have an effect on their own rights and those of others.

Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs

We actively promote diversity through our celebrations of different faiths and cultures. Religious Education lessons and PSHE lessons reinforce messages of tolerance, understanding and respect for others. Members of different faiths and religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school. The children visit places of worship that are important to different faiths. Connections are sound with the local community church, and the Vicar holds regular assemblies. The local Iman has visited our school as our Muslim community grows. We have a rigorous reporting system which records and deals with isolated but prejudiced comments made by children to others.