British Values

Democracy

Many of our school routines are built upon the concept of democracy.  All students have opportunity as an individual, as a member of a tutor group and with subject departments, to influence decision making and to have a voice.  They understand that they must use this voice responsibly.
Students are regularly consulted both formally and informally about how their school might be improved.  They see the example that is set with staff working cooperatively with each other to make the school the best it can be.

Article 12: ‘Every child has the right to say what they think in all matters affecting them, and to have their views taken seriously’ underpins this work.

Students within the school have key roles and responsibilities and are democratically elected to take on leadership roles.  They understand that they are accountable to the school community for the way in which they carry out these roles.

Our A-Team (School Council) allows students to explore and understand the democratic process, with every tutor group electing a representative.  During national and local elections we hold our own mock elections.

How to work as a member of a team as well as team leadership are included in PSHCE and during form tutor meetings.

In PSHCE students learn about the British electoral system, how it has developed and how it works. 

Regular consultations, formal (Aspirations and United Learning Surveys) and informal, take place throughout the school year. Students receive feedback and are made aware of any actions that are taken as a result.  For example a new reward system has been introduced.

The rule of law

Students in our school understand the need for rules to make ours a happy and secure environment.  Our behaviour policy is shared and understood and this provides a basis on which we discuss other laws and rules and how they apply.

Ground rules are established in all areas of the curriculum and students are encouraged to see the reasons for them.

The Regis 10 'values' were co-written by staff and students and include 'Respect' the right to learn.

Our school works closely with our local Police Liaison Officers, who deliver PSHCE sessions at the school to every year group, every year.

We set ground rules during PSHCE classes where sensitive issues are discussed.  IT lessons include discussion around data protection and our e-safety code of conduct.

Students receive specialist sessions on subjects such as substance misuse and e-safety from outside agencies and the law is explored in these sessions

Individual liberty

The rights of every student are at the centre of our ethos.  However, students must also recognise the boundaries there must be too.

Independent thinking and learning are encouraged and there are frequent opportunities for students to grow in maturity and independence as they move toward the sixth form.

We place an emphasis on respecting difference and valuing creativity.  We are a GOLD UNICEF Rights Respecting School.

Human and children’s rights are topics included in our PSHCE programme.

In PSHCE we discuss what it means to ‘contribute to society’ and discuss what it means to be ‘free’.

All subjects make explicit links to the United Nations Convention on The Rights of the Child where appropriate.

We have appointed an inclusion and diversity lead, who actively seeks to ensure representation of all student groups, regardless of protective characteristic.

Mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs

Respect is one of our school values.  We recognise the importance of not only respecting one another but also of self-respect.

We have a clear anti-bullying policy which emphasises the importance of us creating an environment both within school and the wider world in which individuals can feel safe and valued.

Our welcome for visitors is part of the school ethos as is the focus on each student as an ‘ambassador’ when they are out in the community.

Every individual is respected in our school and our actions towards one another reflect this.

We welcome difference and diversity and aim to create understanding of how this adds to the richness of our community.

We aim to do more than ‘tolerate’ those with different faiths and beliefs.  We recognise the extent to which our own traditions and history have developed side by side and the rich cultural heritage that different world religions bring.

We believe that exploring and understanding other people faiths and beliefs are rewarding experiences and help us understand our own faiths and beliefs better.

Our PSHCE curriculum includes topics on relationships and what a good relationship consists of.

We have links with local feeder schools that enable our students to work with younger children on specific projects.  

Our extra-curricular clubs and enrichment activities focus on building self-esteem and self-respect.  They also include team-building activities.

The staff code of conduct ensures that staff behave towards each other in an exemplary way, setting a good example for the students.

The language used between staff and students at all times is considered to be vital in showing how we respect one another and is underpinned by our Rights Respecting ethos.

Our RE Curriculum follows the West Sussex Agreed Syllabus and meets all statutory guidelines and teaches a range of faith, beliefs and cultures.  SMSC is interwoven with British Values throughout the curriculum and RE at TRS is inclusive and child centred. 

We take the opportunity to find out more about different cultures we encounter through research and discussion.

We encourage those in school who hold different faiths and beliefs to share their experiences and provide us with insight. Our Rights Respecting Ambassadors and wellbeing prefects have worked with the local authority to develop resources for schools under the anti-radicalisation Prevent strategy.