Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural Development.

Spiritual Development

Pupils develop the knowledge, skills, understanding, qualities and attitudes they need to foster their own inner lives and non-material wellbeing.

Moral Development

Pupils develop the knowledge, skills and understanding, qualities and attitudes they need in order to make responsible moral decisions and act on them.

Social Development

Pupils develop the knowledge, skills, understanding, qualities and attitudes they need to make an active contribution to the democratic process in each of their communities.

Cultural Development

Pupils develop the knowledge, skills, understanding, qualities and attitudes they need to understand, appreciate and contribute to culture.

Throughout the school, individuality is actively encouraged. Pupils are encouraged to make their own decisions about all aspects of school life based on their own personal interests, strengths and values. The curriculum is inspiring. Pupils very quickly develop a love of learning and are eager for more. Pupils have a strong sense of right and wrong which underpins the outstanding behaviour evident in the school. Pupils are proud to be part of the school and enthusiastically join in with school performances and extracurricular activities.

British Values

Thames Ditton Infant School is committed to serving its community.  It recognises the multi-cultural, multi-faith and ever-changing nature of the United Kingdom.  It also understands the vital role it has in ensuring that groups or individuals within the school are not subjected to intimidation or radicalisation by those wishing to unduly, or illegally, influence them.

It follows equal opportunities guidance which guarantees that there will be no discrimination against any individual or group, regardless of faith, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, political or financial status, or similar. The school is dedicated to preparing students for their adult life beyond the formal examined curriculum and ensuring that it promotes and reinforces British values to all its students.

The Government emphasises that schools are required to ensure that key ‘British Values’ are taught in all UK schools.  The government set out its definition of British values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy.

The five British Values are:

• Democracy

• The rule of law

• Individual liberty

• Mutual respect

• Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs

The school uses strategies within the National curriculum and beyond to secure such outcomes for students.   The examples that follow show some of the many ways Thames Ditton Infant School seeks to embed British values.

Democracy

The principle of democracy is consistently being reinforced at Thames Ditton Infant School, with democracy processes being used for important decisions within the school community.

Rule of law

The importance of laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced at the school.  Students are taught the rules and expectations of the school which are highlighted by the student code of conduct and student expectations.  Students are taught the value and the reasons behind laws that govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken.  

Individual liberty

At Thames Ditton Infant School, students are actively encouraged to make independent choices, with the knowledge that they are in a safe, secure and supportive environment. Staff at the School educate and provide boundaries for students to make informed choices, through a safe environment and an empowering education. 

Students are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised on how to exercise these safely, for example through e-safety.

Thames Ditton Infant School has a robust anti-bullying culture and has in place a comprehensive Behaviour for Learning Policy.

Mutual Respect

Respect is a strong part of the School and is part of its Mission Statement and Values.  Students learn that their behaviours have an effect on their own rights and those of others.  All members of the school community treat each other with respect and this is reiterated through its teaching and learning environments. 

Mutual respect is embraced throughout the curriculum by providing the opportunity for students to express their views in a safe environment with Thames Ditton Infant School's ethos being ‘allow one voice – so that the thoughts and answers of all are respected’. 

Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs

This is achieved through equipping students with the ability to understand their place in a culturally diverse society and by giving the opportunities to experience such diversity within the school community.  Additionally, students are actively encouraged to share their faith and beliefs within the school and celebrate festivities throughout the calendar year.