Democracy is highly valued at the school.   We consider it important that children have opportunities for their voices to be heard.  We have a school council whose members are voted in by their class.  It meets regularly to discuss issues raised in class council meetings.  Pupil questionnaires and pupil voice meetings provide opportunities for views to be put forward. 

The importance of Laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced throughout the regular school day, as well as when dealing with behaviour and through school collective worship. Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind laws that govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken. Visits from authorities such as the Local MP, Mayor, Police and Fire Service etc. are part 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 safety, 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 their work, of participation in our extra-curricular clubs and opportunities, pupils are given the freedom to make choices.

Saint John’s serves a multi-faith community where each person is respected and valued equally without regard of ability, gender, faith, heritage or race. Cultural appreciation and development forms part of our curriculum. We place great emphasis on providing opportunities for pupils to  participate in events and celebrations to broaden their experiences and awareness of others. Our times of collective worship help all pupils to find out about themselves and others linking their lives to the communities in which they belong.