Fir Tree Junior School

Vision Statement

Our vision is to provide, prepare and nurture

At Fir Tree we are committed to:

• providing excellence in learning and teaching and having high expectations
• preparing every child for the challenges and changes of the future within a safe and nurturing environment

We aim for our children to:

• Have respect for themselves and others
• Aspire to work hard and achieve high standards
• Be independent and inquisitive learners
• Be safe and make sensible choices
• Be responsible citizens of tomorrow

Our vision and aims are underpinned by our core values of:

Respect, Kindness, Aspiration, Resilience, Fairness and Curiosity 

Promoting British Values

The government has defined British Values as democracy, the rule of the law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs. 

How we promote DEMOCRACY:

• We have an elected school council. In September candidates prepare election speeches and children vote for their class representatives.
• We encourage children to volunteer for different roles within the school, including Sports Leaders.
• Democracy is also promoted through RHE lessons and assemblies.
• During Collective Worship children learn about the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and learn to respect their rights and the rights of others.
• Democracy is promoted in lessons through debates and discussions.

How we promote RULE OF THE LAW:

• We have high expectations around pupil conduct and this is reflected in our Behaviour Policy. There are rewards for exhibiting good and caring behaviour and consistent demonstration of our values is recognised through such things as ‘Star of the Week’ and values awards.
• Through the home – school agreement.
• Through our school assemblies and PSHE children are taught how to earn trust and respect and are supported to develop a strong sense of morality; knowing right from wrong and doing the right thing even when it is difficult.
• The local PCSO visits the school to talk to the children and explain about their role in society.
• Cycling Proficiency, Junior Citizens, IMPS, Footsteps.

How we promote INDIVIDUAL LIBERTY:

• Children learn about our values in assemblies and in PHSE lessons, children are taught about personal responsibility, choices, ambition and aspiration. They are encouraged to take opportunities to follow their interests.
• Children are taught how to keep themselves safe, including on-line. This is taught through computing lessons, assemblies and outside organisations such as ‘Think u know’.
• Open classroom afternoons to celebrate children’s work, performances, concerts and end of term celebrations / awards.
• Weekly celebration assemblies.
• We have a clear Behaviour policy and Anti-bullying Policy.
• We have a selection of different clubs for children across the school.

How we promote MUTUAL RESPECT AND TOLERANCE OF DIFFERENT FAITHS:

• Children are taught about the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and learn to respect their rights and the rights of others.
• Through our Core Values and the PSHE scheme children are taught to respect each other, to be cooperative and collaborative, be supportive and to look for similarities while being understanding of differences.
• Mutual respect is also promoted through PSHE lessons and collective worship..
• Respect of different faiths and beliefs is promoted through visitors of different faiths and Religious Education. Children learn about different religions, their beliefs, places of worship and festivals.