Here at Kings Priory School we endeavour to develop not only the academic skills of our pupils, but also to cultivate self-knowledge, moral courage, a capacity for imaginative sympathy for others and the ability to reflect fully on one’s life within modern British society. Our school structure provides the opportunities to build relationships that promote mutual respect, tolerance and acceptance of difference through Personal Development, PSHE, Chapter Time, Study and Guidance, Chapel, assemblies and our school values, which are rooted in the Christian faith.
Kings Priory School does not accept intolerant attitudes from members of our community, and we promote the right for people to ‘be themselves’. Through our Religious Studies, PSHE, Personal Development and Chapter Time curricula, pupils are challenged to be increasingly respectful and celebrate diversity. We focus on developing mutual respect between those of different faiths and beliefs, promoting an understanding of what society gains from diversity.
Democracy:
Understanding of democracy is actively promoted within school. Pupils have the opportunity to have their voices heard through our School Councils, Year group councils and Pupil Voice processes. The election of these members is solely through pupil votes. A Head of School is also identified from our Sixth Form students. This student holds responsibility as a role model for all pupils at Kings Priory School. They lead the Senior Prefect team and liaise closely with staff and pupils. Pupils in Years 4, 8 and Sixth Form have the opportunity to apply for prefect roles and Year 13 students can additionally apply to be members of the senior student team. These students are key ambassadors and often act as the conduit for pupil voice within the School. Each teacher at Kings Priory School has different ways in which pupils make their voices heard in the classroom; for example, through questionnaires, reviews, discussions. We have also had visits and presentations delivered from time to time by local politicians. We try to challenge injustice through our curriculum. For example, we annually promote Martin Luther King Day through Chapter time and explore other leaders who have addressed injustice via our Religious Studies curriculum.
The rule of law:
The importance of laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced regularly through the school day through policy and practice at Kings Priory School. Pupils are taught right from wrong and the value and reasoning behind the laws which govern and protect us, including our own responsibilities and the consequences when laws are broken. Visits from authorities such as the Police, Fire Service and Road Safety officers are regular items in our calendar and help to reinforce this message. There is a clear code of conduct for pupils and these expectations are displayed around school in communal areas. These expectations are also regularly shared with parents. Work in Religious Studies on codes of living in different religions allows pupils to discuss the importance of this value.
Individual liberty:
Pupils at Kings Priory School are encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. As a school we educate and provide boundaries for pupils to make choices safely, through the provision of a safe environment and empowering education. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and learn how to exercise them safely, for example through our E-Safety programme and PSHE provision. Whether it be through choice of challenge, what they chose to eat or participation in our numerous extended curriculum activities, pupils are given the freedom to make choices. Pupils may work towards incentives where their choices affect outcomes for themselves individually, as well as a whole class. This is underpinned by our rewards system in school. We also endeavour to give ownership of learning to young people and promote a personal investigative approach. At break and lunch times, pupils are allowed to use the outside spaces and according to their personal choices. Our shared school values of ‘Respect, Tolerance and Friendship’ from Reception to Year 13 promote both staff and children as good role models and we take the opportunity to challenge stereotypes whenever the chance arises.
Mutual respect:
Elements of our school ethos, curriculum and Behaviour Policy are based around our core values such as ‘Respect’ and pupils have been part of discussions and assemblies related to what this means and how we show respect to one another. Posters in communal areas around school outlining our expectations promote respect for others and self. This is reiterated through our classroom and learning expectations, as well as our rewards and sanctions process. Prefect bodies act as role models and actively promote respect and friendship. Our Equality and Diversity Policy reflects this core value and our staff CPD programme explores how to engender a respectful ethos. Kings Priory School supports events such as ‘Anti Bullying Week’ and the NSPCC ‘Buddy says no’ agenda. We promote respect through our classroom practice and use activities like Circle Time to give pupils the opportunity to learn from and respect others. Visits from external providers also reinforce the need to respect others from different cultures or religions. Our pupils are also encouraged to support charities through pupil voice. Annually we have a nominated First, Middle and Senior School charity which is voted upon by pupils.
Tolerance of those of different beliefs and faiths:
Tolerance is achieved through enhancing pupils’ understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society and through exposure to diversity. Chapel, Assembly and presentations about prejudice and prejudice-based bullying are integral to our yearly programme. These are supported and enhanced by learning in Religious Studies, PSHE, and the Personal Development curriculum. Within the classroom curriculum, pupils study broad areas of world faith, comparing and contrasting the practice and beliefs of each and celebrating their differences and similarities. Pupils have a range of opportunities to reflect on international and national issues of prejudice and the consequences of discrimination. They are asked to consider the benefits of living within a society which is equal and treats people of all faiths, cultures and political allegiances with respect. Visitors from places of worship have regularly visited Kings Priory School to share their beliefs and practices to enhance awareness of the diversity of faith in the Northeast. Members of our school community with different faiths or religions are encouraged to share knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school. We explore festivals throughout the year from all world religions. Visitors into school enhance our pupils' understanding and as part of our Religious Studies curriculum we visit places of worship, for example: churches, temples, mosques and synagogues.