British Values
Our school reflects British values in all that we do. We nurture our pupils on their journey through life so they grow in to caring, responsible and tolerant adults who make a positive difference to British society and to the wider world. We encourage them to be creative, unique, open-minded and independent individuals, respectful of themselves and others in our school, our local community and beyond.
Democracy
Pupils are encouraged to debate topics of interest, express their views and make a meaningful contribution to the running of the school. They are able to do this in a number of ways e.g. curriculum planning, school council, PSHE lessons, questionnaires and surveys and assemblies.
Rule of Law
We have a clear positive behaviour policy which helps pupils to make good choices about their behaviour. Each class agrees class rules together at the beginning of the school year. Pupils are helped to distinguish right from wrong, in the classroom, during assemblies and in the playground. Pupils are encouraged to respect the law and at Keston we enjoy visits from services such as the Police, Fire and Ambulance services to help reinforce the message.
Individual Liberty
At school, pupils are encouraged, and given the freedom to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment, e.g. challenging themselves in their learning. They are supported to develop self-knowledge, self-confidence and a growth mind set in all areas of school life. Pupils are taught to understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms in a safe way for example in PSHE lessons. They have key responsibilities in school like being a school councillor, class prefect or a monitor.
Mutual Respect
Respect is part of our school motto. Pupils understand that respect is shown to everyone, both adults and children. This is evident when walking around the School and in the classrooms. Each class draws up a set of class rules or a class agreement each year and use this to set the tone for the level of respect that is expected throughout the year. Through Equality and Diversity Weeks, E-Safety Days and Anti- Bullying week, the children are taught to value differences in themselves and others and most importantly to show respect to all. Staff and pupils are encouraged to challenge prejudicial or discriminatory behaviour.
Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs
Keston follows the Croydon RE agreed syllabus which ensures that all children learn about the main religions and teaches respect and understanding for the cultures, beliefs, opinions and traditions or others. Links with local faith communities and visits to places of worship is promoted and people from different faiths are invited to school to share their experiences in assemblies and in class. Class assemblies also help to contribute to the knowledge of special occasions, beliefs and customs.
Additionally, Equality and Diversity weeks give children the opportunity to enhance their understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society. Through our curriculum and the routines of our daily school life, we strive to demonstrate tolerance and help children to become knowledgeable and understanding citizens who can build a better Britain for the future. We use opportunities such as the Olympics and current news and events from around the world to help the children study and learn about life and cultures in different countries.