British Values
At Hillbrook, we recognise the importance of preparing children for life in modern Britain and promoting values that are an integral part of 21st century British society.
These values, as identified by the Department of Education, include:
- democracy
- the rule of law
- individual liberty
- mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs
We actively promote British values in a wide range of ways. We are committed to valuing diversity, tackling discrimination, promoting equality and fostering good relationships between people. All members of the school community treat each other with respect.
Democracy
Hillbrook elects and runs a successful School Council providing active participation in a democratic system. Children have the opportunity to have their voices heard through our School Council. The elections of members of the School Council (Nursery -Year 6) are based on pupil votes. We have a display of our elected representatives in a communal space for the whole school community to see. Regular School Council meetings are held, minutes are kept and Pupil surveys are carried out to inform SLT what is going well in school and give suggestions on how to improve things further.
Achievements 2021:
- Creation of Student Council logo by Year 5 student Angelina.
- Planting of a ‘Living Wall’ installed in the front playground.
- Shaded and decked areas created for outdoor learning or reflection.
Pending Approval:
- Further ideas to improve the outdoor space, encompassing further planting, pagoda structures for shaded additional seating and tables.
- A new catering team has been appointed and pupil feedback has been collated to discuss whether the menus need to be adapted to cater for all .
Children in Year 6 also have the opportunity to join the school debating team, where they take part in parliamentary-style debates and compete in the Wandsworth Model United Nations General Assembly (MUNGA) against other schools. Children have had the chance to visit the Houses of Parliament and discover first-hand where British laws are made.
The Rule of Law
The importance of laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced at Hillbrook. From when children join Hillbrook our school rules are taught and embedded in school life. Our 3 Rs (reflection, resilience and responsibility) help guide children in making positive choices in relation to our school rules, as does our work in PSHE which helps to manage emotions in and out of the classroom. Pupils are part of the discussion in understanding our school values and responsibilities and reasons behind rules.
Pupils in the EYFS had great fun meeting the local fire brigade, having the opportunity to sit inside the fire engine. Visits from external authorities such as the London Fire Brigade help to reinforce the rule of law, how they govern and protect us in school and in the wider community as well as understanding the consequences when laws are broken.
Individual Liberty
Our school community is a supportive and empowering environment that allows pupils to make informed choices in a safe space. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and advised how to exercise these safely. Each year we support Anti-Bullying Week where we discuss and celebrate differences and what to do if we feel prejudice for who we are. We recognise that growing up in the world today involves being part of online communities and so e-safety is a key area of learning for our children, through computing and PSHE sessions. In summer we celebrate Diversity Day, a day to come together as a community to feel empowered for all our differences but united in our respect for each other.
Mutual Respect and Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs
Equality and Diversity
Hillbrook seeks to promote awareness, understanding and respect for diversity in our local community and the wider world. We aim to provide an education that is sensitive to individual needs and accessible to all children regardless of special educational need, sexual orientation, sex, race, religion and belief, gender reassignment or disability.
Mutual respect is at the heart of our values. Through assemblies, our PSHE lessons and day-to-day incidental opportunities, children learn that their behaviours have an effect on their own rights and those of others. We pride ourselves with the celebration of special days and religious festivals that are important to our school community. The children visit places of worship that are important to different faiths and Religious Education lessons reinforce messages of tolerance and respect for others.
We hold awareness raising events regularly such as Black History Month, National Refugee Week, International Day; Diversity Day and the embedding of lessons learned through the achievements of individuals from diverse backgrounds across the curriculum and through history.
Hillbrook is proud to be formed of a diverse and inclusive community.