British Values Statement
At Lime Academy Ravensbourne we have a set of values and core beliefs that are integral to the day to day running of our school.
We provide an exciting, safe, and challenging learning environment that recognises and adapts to the needs of every individual. Pupils are well cared for, guided, and supported to make the best progress in all areas including personal development and well-being. We encourage our pupils to be positive contributors to the school, their families, their neighbourhood, and the wider community.
British Values permeate through all areas of our curriculum. Staff model and promote these throughout the school day. We aim to deliver a personalised and purposeful approach to ensure that our pupils have an appropriate and meaningful learning experience and to enable them to:
participate in wider community and social settings
be positive members of our school and campus through community cohesion, mutual respect, and tolerance
reduce their dependence and gain skills, knowledge and understanding of democracy and personal liberty
participate in cultural and sporting events.
We promote 'British Values' and are a Rights Respecting School (Silver Award)
The Department for Education states all schools should:
“to promote the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.”
Democracy: Respect for democracy and support or participation in the democratic process
We ensure that pupil voice is developed, acknowledged, responded to, and respected at all times and by all members of the school community. We achieve this through a total communication approach which includes the use of AAC, signing, objects of reference, photos, symbols, touch cues, eye pointing, gesture, body language and the spoken word. We empower our pupils to have their say, express their opinion and to express their wants and needs and to make choices about the things that they believe to be important.
Rule of Law: Respect for the basis on which the law is made and applies in
Pupils are empowered through a positive approach to behaviour support and a protective behaviours ethos to develop strategies to manage their feelings and emotions and to remain in a relaxed, calm, and happy state. Staff are committed to providing a safe and structured learning environment within the school. This enables pupils to know what is happening and to understand what is expected of them, which in turn promotes the optimum conditions for wider engagement and participation in learning.
Individual Liberty: Support and respect for the liberties of all within the law
We aim to prepare all pupils for the next stage in their life and we have a strong focus on preparation for adulthood at all stages in school, starting at Early Years. We support every pupil to become as independent as possible in all aspects of their life, including recognising the right to say ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to ideas or activities. Learning to do things independently is an important part of developing a sense of their own self.
Pupils who are able are given responsibility for specific roles withing school and supported to understand that with certain rights comes a level of responsibility.
Mutual Respect: Support for equality of opportunity for all
At Lime Academy Ravensbourne we believe in equality opportunities for all in our school community regardless of their age, race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or ethnic backgrounds. We participate in events and lessons to celebrate our community and to promote mutual enjoyment, tolerance of and respect for differences in the wider world.
Tolerance: Respect for and tolerance of those different faiths and religious and other beliefs
We promote diversity through our celebrations of different faiths and cultures. We celebrate the beliefs of all within our school community. Cultural appreciation and development are part of our curriculum. We place great emphasis on providing encounters and participation in events and celebrations to broaden all pupils’ experiences and awareness of others.
Thematic assemblies and school celebrations help pupils to find out about themselves and others. The themes cover areas such as: friendships, helping others and celebrations from a range of faiths or world events.
The staff work in partnership with parents, carers, and other professionals to ensure that the pupils at Lime Academy Ravensbourne are motivated, happy, and supported to learn the skills they need to live a fulfilling life as part of their community.
British Traditions and Heritage
We celebrate the role of Britain both historically and in the present through our curriculum. This involves celebrating any Royal events, Remembrance Day, festivals such as Harvest, Christmas, and Easter alongside those from other cultures such as Eid, Diwali, and the Chinese New Year.
