Our Values Statement
At Coalbrookdale and Ironbridge CE Primary school we promote ‘British Values’ through our spiritual, moral, social and cultural education which permeates through the schools’ curriculum.
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 pupils.
How we, at Coalbrookdale and Ironbridge CE Primary School, promote ‘British Values’:
Democracy:
The ability to communicate is the most important area of learning. In Coalbrookdale and Ironbridge CE Primary school, we ensure that pupils are given a ‘voice’ to communicate.
Pupils are given a democratic voice through the active school council and within each educational day. Teachers encourage all pupils to share opinions and listen to others. Through English and other curriculum work, debates are promoted with reasoning to back up thoughts.
Rule of Law:
Within classes and together in the whole school assembly, pupils wrote our ‘Coalbrookdale Way.’ Involving pupils in setting our codes of behaviour helps pupils make decisions that are acceptable to the school community and society at large and take responsibility for their actions. As the community evolves, the ‘Coalbrookdale Way’ is revised.
Staff are committed to providing a consistent approach to behaviour management and positive learning environment within the school and beyond. We can help some pupils to understand the connection between actions and consequences. This type of environment enables pupils to feel safe and secure; this in turn, promotes the optimum conditions for learning to take place.
Individual Liberty:
At Coalbrookdale and Ironbridge CE Primary School, we have high expectations of pupils to be good and valued citizens. We do this by supporting each pupil to become as independent as possible. Learning to do things independently is an important part of learning to understand yourself. Independence can boost and nurture a healthy self-esteem.
We endeavour to demonstrate that everyone has rights; this includes the right to say ‘No’ when appropriate. Human rights are discussed in assemblies and classrooms using the book ‘Born to be free.’
Some pupils will be able to take responsibility for particular roles and to understand that with certain rights comes a level of responsibility. We support others by participating in local community events and charitable events such as, Red Nose Day/Comic Relief, Children in Need. We believe that fostering a caring and helpful environment allows each child to shine.
Mutual Respect:
We promote each pupil’s inclusion, where possible, in a range of activities, settings and locations. The children in Early Years have opportunities to integrate with other children and are encouraged to play demonstrating respect for the ‘Coalbrookdale Way.’
As pupils progress through school, opportunities are integrated into the curriculum to involve pupils in the whole community; for example, working with the local businesses Merrythought and the Cooperative Society.
We believe it is important to facilitate opportunities for Coalbrookdale and Ironbridge CE Primary school to be part of our unique community as the pupils, families and staff have much to offer in the development of community cohesion.
Tolerance of different faiths and beliefs:
Throughout Coalbrookdale and Ironbridge CE Primary school, we value each individual whereby each person is respected equally without regard to ability, gender, faith, heritage or race. Cultural appreciation and development forms part of our curriculum. We place great emphasis on providing encounters and participation in events and celebrations to broaden all pupils’ experiences and awareness of others.
Our assemblies help all pupils to find out about themselves and others linking their lives to the communities in which they belong. The themes cover areas such as friendships, helping others and celebrations from a range of faiths and world events.
Pupils are encouraged to experience British Culture through our curriculum themes; for example the historical significance of our local area, World War 2 and Explorers. Schools take part in local sporting activities which helps to instil ‘fair play’ and engender a ’team spirit’.
Although some pupils at Coalbrookdale and Ironbridge CE Primary school may find it difficult to articulate their feelings and concerns; staff are attuned to changes in demeanour and well-being that may indicate anxiety. If they are concerned about a pupil our accepted practice links to the Safeguarding Policy which entrusts a duty of care to all staff to actively protect and promote the welfare of children.
The staff work closely with parents, carers and other professionals to ensure that the pupils at Coalbrookdale and Ironbridge CE Primary school are happy, well cared for and enabled to learn the skills they need to live a fulfilling life as part of their community.