Democracy underpins a lot of the work we undertake with our children. Pupil voice is a crucial part of our ethos and we are proud to ensure ALL children’s voices are heard. Pupils have the opportunity to have their voices heard through our School Council, Rushcliffe Pupil Parliament (RPP), election of house captains after a ‘hustings' and Pupil questionnaires. Elections for School Council representatives are undertaken in each class and representatives are chosen from the School Council to represent Burton Joyce at the RPP.  Children are always able to voice their opinions and we foster an environment where children are safe to disagree with each other. Our curriculum specifically studies democracy within certain year groups.

The importance of Laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are reinforced throughout our curriculum, as well as when dealing with behaviour and through school assemblies. The school’s behaviour philosophy has at its core the principle of making the correct choices in life and our school Code of Conduct, ethos and behaviour policy is derived from the key value of making the right choice and understanding the impact if the wrong choice is made. Our 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. Visits from authorities such as the Police, Fire Service etc. are regular parts of our calendar and help reinforce this message.

Within school, pupils 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 pupils to make choices safely, through the provision of a safe environment and empowering education. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and advised how to exercise these safely, for example through our e-safety and PSHE lessons. Whether it be through choice of challenge, of how they record work, of participation in our numerous extra-curricular clubs and opportunities, pupils are given the freedom to make choices.

Running through the heart of our school philosophy and vision is respect. This is consistently and frequently discussed with the children through circle time, assemblies, class and school councils. Our behaviour philosophy is based around ensuring all children respect one another and can value everyone as individuals. This is reiterated in our Code of Conduct. Our inclusive ethos and work to support local and national charities promotes understanding and respect for different groups in society.

This is achieved through enhancing pupils understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society and by giving them opportunities to experience such diversity.  Assemblies and discussions involving prejudices and prejudice-based bullying have been followed and supported by learning in RE and PSHE. Members of different faiths or religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school. We have international links with schools in India and Japan.