Children become familiar with the concept of democracy from the very start of school.  The election of our various committees reflects our British electoral system and demonstrates democracy in action: candidates make speeches, pupils consider characteristics important for an elected representative, pupils vote using a ballot system. The committees meet regularly to discuss issues raised by children as well as to discuss areas that they consider worthy of a pupil voice.  The various committees are able to genuinely effect change within the school. The core of this is achieved through our pupil voice groups, which include:

School Council

Wellbeing Leaders

Sports Leaders

Equality Committee

One World Committee

Eco Council

Spiritual Council

House Captains

Children nominating various charities, which they raise monies for throughout the year. 

Throughout the school year, every class discusses a set of principles that are clearly understood by all to ensure that every class member is able to learn in a safe and ordered environment.

Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind laws, that they govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves, and the consequences when laws are broken. These values are reinforced in different ways:

• • Visits from authorities such as the police and fire service
  • During religious education, when rules for different faiths are discussed
  • Throughout the curriculum, where there is respect and appreciation for different rules
  • Visiting Lawyer and visiting Judge where a mock courtroom is set-up
  • In sports lesson and competitions, our school sports motto is ‘Win with grace, lose with grace’

Alongside rules and laws, we promote freedom of choice and the right to respectfully express views and beliefs. Through the provision of a safe, supportive environment and empowering education, we provide boundaries for our young pupils to make choices safely in many ways:

• Choices about what learning challenge or activity suits their needs
• Choices about how they record their learning
• Choices around the participation in extra-curricular activities

Our pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are taught how to exercise these safely.

Our pupils know and understand that it is expected and imperative that respect is shown to everyone, whatever differences we may have, and in all situations; whether it is a religious belief, someone’s property or a football team. Children learn that their behaviour choices have an effect on their own rights and those of others. All members of the school community are expected to treat each other with respect. Specific examples of how we at St Polycarp’s enhance pupils understanding and respect for different faiths and beliefs are:

• • Through Religious Education
  • Visiting spiritual leaders and parents, i.e. Rabbi, Parents from the Ahmadiyya Muslim community
  • Lessons where we might develop awareness and appreciation of other cultures
  • We consider groups or individuals who might be vulnerable in some way, such as those with mental health issues, or those who are Young Carers
  • Work with organisations to deliver specific education relating to inclusion and diversity
  • We hold specific assemblies where these areas are talked about directly

Tolerance, politeness and mutual respect are at the heart of our school.  Our mission to play, pray, love and learn together drives us towards ensuring that our pupils can live and work alongside all people from all backgrounds and cultures. Our pupils know and understand that it is expected that tolerance and respect is shown to everyone and to everything, whatever differences we may have.

Children are encouraged to share their own experiences when celebrating their own faith. Daily worship reflects and teaches the children tolerance for different faiths and beliefs. We have our St Polycarp’s prayer which encompasses a shared belief and value.

Activities within school support both children and adults of different or no faith, the children are taught respect and tolerance of all groups, and the opinions of the others are taken into account with all activities.