Love life; love learning; love one another

Jesus said 'There is no other commandment greater than these- you shall love the lord your god with all your heart....you shall love your neighbour as yourself.

Promoting British Values

In 2011, the government defined British Values as democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs.  We promote these values through our school vision, values and aims, our curriculum and teaching and learning strategies, and the enrichment activities in which our pupils participate.

Democracy

• We have termly Junior Leaders' meetings where elected children, led by a teacher, discuss many aspects of school life.  Children's opinions are listened to and pupils are empowered to advocate for change.
• Children are involved in key decisions about aspects of school life such as how to spend donated funds, organise charity fund raising  and promote anti-bullying.
• There are elections within school mirroring general elections. 
• We encourage volunteerism in and out of school. This includes raising money for local and national charities.   
• The beginnings of democracy are taught through historical research relating to the civilisation of Ancient Greece.

Key Christian text: For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. 2 Timothy 1:7

The rule of law

• We have high expectations about pupil conduct and this is reflected in our Codes of Conduct (for pupils, teachers and teaching assistants) and  Behaviour Policy. 
• There are rewards for good behaviour consistent with the code of conduct (e.g Dojo points, Headteacher treat, Stars in the jar, Stars of the Week).
• As part of our Behaviour Policy, parents are informed where appropriate.
• Through our school values and the Christian texts that underpin them, children are taught about respect, courage, integrity, compassion and hope and are supported as they think about how to know the right thing to do, even when the choice is a difficult one.

Key Christian text: Whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.  Philippians 4:8

Individual liberty

Through our school values and aims, our identity as a growth mindset school and teaching across the curriculum but particularly in PSHCE, children are taught about personal responsibility, the courage to stand up for what is right, resilience and aspiration.

• Good learner characteristics and growth mindset attributes are taught and nurtured.
• PSHE lessons have specific units relating to individual liberty including 'Good To Be Me!'
• Children are taught how to keep themselves safe, including online.  This is done through computing lessons and e-safety visits as well as through the PSHE curriculum.
• Bullying is never tolerated at Sutton Courtenay. We have a team of 12 trained Anti-Bullying Ambassadors—two in each class from Year 1 to Year 6—who play an active role in promoting kindness, compassion and respect. They lead assemblies, support children during playtimes and lunchtimes, and use initiatives such as the Buddy Bus Stop to ensure everyone feels included. Our robust Anti-Bullying Policy and participation in Anti-Bullying Week reflect our commitment to creating a safe, supportive environment for every child.
• Each class has a Worry box where children are able to share their worries with staff.
• All children are given regular opportunities to explore critical thinking issues and develop their ability to discuss their opinions and work together to explore how they may disagree or agree with each other.

Key Christian text: Just as each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of the varied grace of God.  1 Peter 4:10 

Mutual respect

• We celebrate diversity and embrace inclusion in every aspect of school life. These values are woven into our curriculum and reflected in our daily conversations—both formal and informal. We believe that every child brings unique strengths and perspectives, and we create an environment where all differences are respected, valued, and celebrated. Our commitment to inclusion ensures that every child feels they belong and can thrive.

• We have high expectations about pupil conduct and this is reflected in our  Behaviour Policy, Codes of Conduct and Equality Policy. 

• Through our school vision and values linked to Christian texts, children are taught to respect each other, to be cooperative, collaborative and supportive.
• PSHE lessons on the theme of 'Getting On and Falling Out' offers pupils the opportunity to explore this value.
• Mutual respect is also promoted through every aspect of PSHE and enrichment activities.
• Pupils are encouraged to see each child and adult in school as unique individuals in a community with shared values.
•  Our Junior Leaders ensure that every child can have a voice through a representative.
• Children are encouraged to appreciate their own culture and what it means to be British.

Key Christian texts: Treat others just as you want to be treated.  Luke 6:31 Just as each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of the varied grace of God.  1 Peter 4:10

Tolerance of different faiths and beliefs

• We celebrate diversity: the Christian text that underpins it is: You shall love your neighbour as yourself.  (Mark 12 v30, 31)
• We have high expectations about pupil conduct and this is reflected in our  Behaviour Policy, Codes of Conduct and Single Equality Policy. 
• Tolerance of different faiths and beliefs is promoted through the Locally Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education.  Children learn about different religions, their beliefs, places of worship and festivals and their learning on these topics is often displayed in classrooms.
• Visitors share their experiences of different faiths to support the teaching of RE and children have the opportunity to visit places of worship including the local C of E church and  other places of worship.

Key Christian texts: Treat others just as you want to be treated.  Luke 6:31 Just as each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of the varied grace of God.  1 Peter 4:10