Our Mission and Values

We aim for our motto 'where everybody is somebody' to permeate through our school.

We believe in and strive for...

- Skilled knowledgeable, independent and resilient Learners

- Creative, imaginative, structured and adaptable Thinkers

- World aware, community spirited, caring and healthy Individuals

A place where everyone loves to learn.

In an ever-changing world, Hawthorn Tree exists, to push the boundaries, remove the barriers and challenge the ordinary, enabling learning construction that is truly accessible for all. Through research, innovation and creativity, we champion education as the vehicle to ignite passions, discover talent, foster well-being, nurture self-belief and become the very heart of our community.

British Values

The Department for Education has introduced a statutory duty for schools to promote British Values more actively, and to ensure they are taught in schools.

At Hawthorn Tree Primary School, we are committed to serving our community. We recognise the multi-cultural, multi-faith and ever-changing nature of the United Kingdom. We also understand the vital role it has in ensuring that groups of individuals within the school are not subjected to intimidation or radicalisation by those wishing to unduly, or illegally, influence them.

We follow equal opportunities guidance which guarantees that there will be no discrimination against any individual or group, regardless of faith, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, political or financial status, or similar. Our school is dedicated to preparing students for their adult life beyond the formal, examined curriculum and ensure that we promote and reinforce British values to all our students.

The government set out its definition of British values in the 2011 Prevent strategy.

The five key British Values are:

• Democracy
• The rule of law
• Individual liberty
• Mutual respect
• Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs

Our school uses strategies within the curriculum and beyond, to secure such outcomes for students. The examples that follow show some of the many ways that Hawthorn Tree Primary School seeks to instil British Values.

Democracy

• School Council - making decisions on a regular basis re: policies, child-friendly safeguarding information, behaviour system, involved in the interview process, fundraising events etc.
• Pupil surveys include questions such as 'How could we make the school better?'. Ask the children if we need to add different questions to really move our school forwards.
• Annual parent questionnaires, which asks for three key areas of strength and areas to develop.
• Parent forum to gauge parental opinion, e.g. regarding the impact of Home Learning, most appropriate timing for events, parent consultation meetings etc.
• Governor involvement in decision making process.
• Democracy is taught through the curriculum. Pupil voice has an influence upon much that goes on or is decided, within our school.
• Pupils are given the opportunity to give their viewpoint throughout the curriculum daily; they are invited to listen to alternative viewpoints and accept/respect that there may be differences.
• Pupils are involved in the selection of Home Learning activities for the half term.
• Agreement of Class Rules annually.
• Voting by the children for School Councillors and soon to be introduced Team Captains by secret ballot.

The Rule of Law

• Strong behaviour system in place, which has been developed with the pupils.
• Class rules are established with pupils and referred to daily.
• Strong relationship/regular contact with local PCSO.
• Working with our local community to be proactive about local community issues.
• Introduction of Restorative Practice, promoting a sense of justice for all.
• Home/School Agreement.

Individual Liberty

• Strong behaviour policy based on rights and responsibilities.
• Anti-bullying policy.
• Open and honest culture.
• Open door policy for parents/carers to discuss worries or concerns.
• Strong pastoral team to support friendship issues/any issues that individuals may need support with.
• Opportunities for a wide range of choices for extra-curricular activities.
• Child friendly Child Protection Policy - school can offer support and are dedicated to keeping pupils safe.

Mutual Respect

• Peer marking - offer suggestions to each other, in a sensitive and constructive way to support moving their work forward.
• Cross Class communication of achievements (through whole school and phase assemblies).
• Peer mentoring - pupils support each other in their learning. They listen to one another and respect each other's opinions.

Tolerance Of Those Of Different Faiths and Beliefs

• Our curriculum drives celebrates diversity and integration with other faiths/beliefs.
• Specific events are held in school to celebrate other cultures.
• We are encouraged to share faiths and beliefs within school such as fasting, leave for religious observance is granted etc.
• Children are aware that there are those who are suffering in the world through disadvantage, illness or disability.
• Our support for charitable organisations promotes global advocacy.

How our values at Hawthorn Tree Primary School link to British Values

Resilience

Our children know that being resilient can be challenging but makes you a stronger person. They are persistent in their approach when faced with challenges.

"If at first you don't succeed then try, try again"

We enable all children to be creative in their approach and they have opportunities to choose how to present their tasks. (Individual Liberty)

Respect

Our children recognise the importance of having good manners all the time. They strive to be kind, caring and forgiving individuals. Our children know how important it is to track the person that is speaking and to show good listening. They know that people may have different ideas and preferences and these should be equally valued. They understand the importance of mutual respect and to treat others kindly. Children also contribute to rule making in school and seek to abide by these rules.

"We treat others how we would want to be treated"

(Mutual Respect/Rules of Law/Democracy)

Diversity

We are tolerant of all faiths by: understanding that members of our school community will worship in different places; children learn about Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Judaism and many other faiths. We understand that everyone is different and we respect these differences. Children regularly have an opportunity to celebrate and explain their culture and background to others. (Tolerance of different cultures and religions)

Compassion

The children know what it is to be a good citizen and actively support others who need their support through regular fund raising opportunities and links with their community. They are also caring and supportive of one another in school. Children show compassion and empathy for those in the world that are suffering. (Mutual Respect/Individual Liberty)

Innovation

Children are given opportunities throughout the curriculum to develop their creativity. Problem solving and challenges are an important part of their day to day experiences. Children are given choices about how and what they learn. Talents are nurtured and children have opportunities to learn from others through collaborative opportunities. We seek to bring out the best in all children as each child has their uniqueness and own personality to develop. (Individual Liberty/Democracy)

Reviewed October 2021