Democracy: Pupils have the opportunity to have their voices heard through our School Council and Pupil interviews. Pupils regularly consult with their class to find out the views of all pupils and these are represented at School Council meetings. In the Reception classes, children vote daily for books they would like to read. The election of School Councillors always involve pupil voice, with a election held each September. Our school Positive Relationships policy involves rewards which actively promotes pupils and pupil voice. Through SCARF (PSHE) lessons, children discuss and learn about local councils and elections. The School Council has also met with Local Councillors.

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 the school day, as well as when we are dealing with behaviour and delivering assemblies. Everyone adheres to the school rules which was created after consultation with pupils and all adults in the school. Pupils are taught the value of and reasons behind laws; that they govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences of breaking laws, within the national curriculum. Visits from the services and other agencies such as the police and fire service are regular aspects of our calendar and reinforce this message. Through SCARF (PSHE) lessons, children discuss and learn about why we have school rules and rules in society, the consequences of breaking rules and how laws are made in the United Kingdom. We also take part in Young Citizen’s ‘The Big Legal Lesson’.

Individual Liberty: We believe in empowering our pupils to make their own choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. Our Core Values (Building A Better Me) includes independence as one of the characteristics we are encouraging children to develop. Following behaviour issues, children are supported in making better decisions through our school rules and Positive Relationships policy. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms. As teachers, we advise pupils how to do this is a safe way for example through the promotion of e-Safety, and SCARF (PSHE) lessons. In SCARF lessons, children learn about our rights and responsibilities. Pupils are free to make choices at lunch time as part of the OPAL project and through the suite of extra-curricular activities that exist in school. Through the annual whole-school Children’ Mental Health week, we promote the value of individual liberty.

Mutual Respect: Our school rules and Positive Relationships policy explains that at Orchard Primary School we should: Be Ready, Be Respectful and Be Safe. Our core values (Building A Better Me) includes respect as one of the characteristics we are encouraging children to develop. We use this as the basis for our choices and our behaviour. This has really helped us to foster a mutual respect for each other in school and helps the children think about showing and receiving respect.  Through SCARF lessons, children learn about celebrating differences, respectful language and how to demonstrate respect to others. Through an annual, whole school Anti-Bullying week, children learn about why bullying is wrong and what to do about it.

Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs: At Orchard Primary School we aim to work beyond tolerance into acceptance and inclusion – we are a diverse pupil body and accept all individuals as part of our school. This is achieved through enhancing pupils’ understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society and by giving them opportunities to experience diversity. Our RE curriculum covers other faiths which the children learn about and the experience of pupils, parents and staff is utilised through this. We promote an acceptance of everyone’s beliefs, and our children enjoy learning about other cultures and faiths as part of their learning across the curriculum. Through SCARF lessons, children learn about the benefits of living in a diverse society and the importance of mutual respect for different faiths and beliefs.