British Values
At Richmond School and Sixth Form College we promote ‘British Values’ through our School Values (Creativity, Respect, Excellence, Determination, Independence and Teamwork), our “Learning for Life” Programme. This aspect of our work permeates through the school’s curriculum and supports the development of the ‘whole child’.
At Richmond School, we recognise that such development is most successful when those values and attitudes are promoted by all the staff and provide a model of behaviour for our students. All staff know that they are role models and ambassadors for Richmond School whilst at school and when out and about in the wider community. This aspect of our work is covered in staff policy documentation and within our induction for new employees.
BRITISH VALUES HAVE BEEN IDENTIFIED AS:
DEMOCRACY
The principle of democracy is consistently reinforced within the curriculum, e.g. the democratic process used for important decisions within the community, such as elections – both local and national. The principle of democracy is explored in History and Religious Studies as well as in Learning for Life and assemblies.
RULE OF LAW
The importance of laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced throughout regular school days, as well as when dealing with behaviour, through school assemblies and on specific curriculum days, eg. the ‘Prison, Me, No Way’ Day in Year 9. Students are taught the values and reasons behind laws; that laws are there to govern and protect us, and the consequences when laws are broken.
Students are helped to learn to manage their behaviour and to take responsibility for their actions. Staff are committed to providing a consistent and predictable environment within the school and beyond. An environment of this type enables students to feel safe and secure; this, in turn, promotes the optimum conditions for learning to take place and achievement to be celebrated.
INDIVIDUAL LIBERTY
Students at Richmond School and Sixth Form College are encouraged to become good and valued citizens. We do this by supporting each student to become as independent as possible.
We invest a great deal of time in creating a positive culture in our school so that all students are in a safe environment where choices and freedoms are encouraged. We offer a range of enrichment activities which students have the freedom to choose from, based on their interests.
MUTUAL RESPECT
Mutual respect is at the core of school life. Students learn to treat each other and staff with great respect. This is evident when walking around the school and within classrooms.
It is important to facilitate opportunities for Richmond School to be part of the community as the students, families and staff have much to offer in the development of community cohesion. Our school is proud of the fact that we are open all year and we host many community groups and organisations. Our partnerships with sporting and performing and creative arts groups are extensive.
TOLERANCE OF DIFFERENT FAITHS AND BELIEFS
Richmond School is predominantly a white Christian community, however we greatly value the multi-faith dimension that different community groups bring to the school. We are proud of our links with the Nepalese community from Catterick Garrison and we enjoy celebrating the diversity of all those who come into contact with our school. Each person is respected and valued equally without regard to ability, gender, faith, heritage or race.
We offer a broad and balanced curriculum in which all major religions are studied and respected. Our Assemblies help all students to find out about themselves and others, linking their lives to the communities in which they belong. We place great emphasis on providing encounters and participation in events and celebrations to broaden all students’ experiences and awareness of others.
At Richmond School and Sixth Form College we strongly believe that tolerance of different faiths and beliefs is best gained through knowledge and understanding. This is delivered through our curriculum as well as the routines of daily life as we strive to not only learn about but also demonstrate tolerance, and help students to become knowledgeable and understanding citizens who can build a better Britain for the future.