British Values

We understand that the children’s opinions about their school are valid and need to be at the heart of our decision making. Throughout their time at Riverview there will be many occasions where children will have the opportunity to vote and for their voices to be heard.

All staff will model this process through asking questions and inviting children’s answers and opinions, whether it be in lessons, during assemblies, at lunchtime or in the playground all children are developing their decision making skills and learning to make informed choices and take responsibility for them.

Our School Council has members elected form each class and have regular meeting to represent the views of their classmates. From these views the school has been provided with insightful ideas and perspectives which have resulted in specific items being purchased and policies revised.  For example the School Council members have been gauging their classmates opinions about new playground equipment to be purchased and at the start of the academic year the council voted on how the class name and house system would work and the school leadership team acted on the children’s idea.

Additionally, our school behaviour policy is clear that children are expected to contribute and co-operate, taking into account the views of others.  Children work hard to follow the schools ‘golden rules’ and to work as part of a team to decide upon class rules.

We consistently reinforce our high expectations of children. Children are taught the value and reasons behind our ‘golden rules’ that they are there to enable us to become positive members of society as we grow up and to protect us. To understand that everyone has a responsibility and that there are consequences when rules are broken.

They recognise that whilst we have rules at school, other rules and laws exist in the country for the same reasons.

At the beginning of each academic year each class agree a set of rules with their peers and the teacher. These are then displayed in the class and referred to as necessary.

By signing the Home School Agreement all parents/ carers, children and teachers show commitment to uphold the school rules.

Within school children are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. As a school we educate and provide boundaries for young children to make choices safely, through our provision of a safe environment and empowering teaching. Children are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms.

We support each child to become as independent as possible so that they are  encouraged to become good and valued citizens. We endeavour to demonstrate that everyone has rights and personal freedoms.

Some children will be able to take responsibility for particular roles, such as School Council members, Riverview Role Models, Register Monitors, Eco-Club members and Peer Mediators.  Learning to do things independently is an important part of learning to understand yourself. We believe that in fostering a careful and helpful environment and encouraging independence we can boost and nurture a healthy self-esteem.

Our whole school ethos is built around mutual respect and we believe that there that respect for others is a vital component of moral development. We are an inclusive school where everyone is valued and has a contribution to make to the school.

Children learn that their behaviour has an effect on their own rights and those of others. This is reinforced throughout our PSHE curriculum, details of which can be found on our Curriculum Pages.  Staff help children to understand how to respect one another by talking about how actions/words can affect others. Events and circumstances are planned for pupils to go into the community to meet with a variety of people in different situations which include: sports events, community events and shared participation with other schools.

We support others by collecting Harvest goods for those less fortunate, participating in national charitable events such as Children in Need, and fund raising for local charities such as the Ellenor Lions hospice, the local Food Bank and the Salvation Army in Gravesend. More details can be found on our charities page.

Part of our school ethos and behaviour policy has evolved around core values such as ‘Respect’, and children are modelled this by caring, sharing and listening to others.

Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs

We aim to enhance children’s understanding of different faiths and beliefs by participating in a range of celebrations throughout the year. Through our school values, all children are taught to respect everyone regardless of their faith and beliefs.

In the curriculum through Religious Education, PSHE, English (fiction), Art, Geography and History as well as our Assembly themes, children consider cultures from other parts of the world, different faiths and beliefs. We invite visitors form our community to share their knowledge and to enhance learning both within classes and for the whole school.

We also visit local buildings which celebrate different faiths, for example St Aidan’s Church, the Muslim Centre, Synagogue and the Gurdwara.