The DfE have published guidance on British Values and state that schools ‘have a duty to ‘actively 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.’ Whilst schools have always been asked to respect these values, they ‘must now have a clear strategy for embedding these values and show how their work with pupils has been effective in doing so’ (DfE, 2014)

At Castle Newnham School, we recognise that by living these values the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils can be enhanced and can also support our pupils in their transition to adult life by leaving school fully prepared for life in modern Britain.

We trust children at Castle Newnham to help us make the decisions that shape our school and make it the way that they want it to be. Pupils engage with the democratic process to elect representatives onto our Junior Leadership Team annually. Each class elects a representative. As a continuation in developing democracy, our Junior Leadership Team are led by Deputy Head Pupils (Year 6) and Head Pupils (Year 11) who are selected through an application process and interview. 

The Junior Leadership Team works alongside specific sub-committee meetings e.g. the Equality Committee. 

The pupils who make up the Junior Leadership Team are an important part of our leadership team and we trust them to ensure that the views of all Castle Newnham pupils are taken into account. We have a dedicated member of the Senior Leadership Team who is their contact, whom they can speak to regularly. They meet fortnightly to discuss issues raised during class discussions and to decide how we are going to help to move things forward, often taking thoughts and ideas to a vote. It is the responsibility of each representative to ensure that they express both their own views and the views of all the other pupils they represent. These skills are developed in the fortnightly school council sessions. 

Each year group within our school also has members on the Eco Committee who are elected as per the School Council process. The Eco committee is an ideal opportunity for our pupils to get more involved in the way Castle Newnham is run and help it to be environmentally friendly. 

Frequently, through the year, a variety of members of staff spend time with pupils to hear their thoughts, ideas and opinions on certain subjects. This may be linked with one particular topic such as ‘school lunches’ or have a wider feel. We use the pupils’ comments to inform us about actions we may need to take as a result. 

Annually, we encourage representatives from our Junior Leadership Team to attend the Bedford Borough Council ‘Pupil Voice Conference.’ This gives children from our school the opportunity to talk about issues that are pertinent to them about our local area. 

Our Personal Development programme heavily supports democracy with such topics as ‘rules, rights and responsibilities’  in which children are encouraged to discuss, listen to others’ voices and make decisions. British values are referred to throughout the curriculum and are embedded into our teaching.

The importance of laws, whether they are those that govern the class, the school or the country and reinforced at Castle Newnham. 

From an early age, the pupils at Castle Newnham School are taught about our high expectations; in the classroom, on the playground and in the local community. This is accomplished through age appropriate ‘class rules’ which are on display in every classroom and through regular assemblies. In addition, through discussion (as a whole class, in small groups and on a one to one basis) pupils are given the opportunity to understand the value and reasons behind rules and laws, including those in our own behaviour policy.

We believe that it is important that pupils are taught the reasons behind laws and the consequences if they are broken and apply this to our behaviour system if required.  Within our school curriculum, we also provide opportunities for the Fire Service and Police to work alongside our children at school to reinforce this message wherever possible.

Within our school, pupils are actively encouraged to make their own choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment to do so. As a school we feel very proud that we offer numerous opportunities for pupils to exercise their own freedoms, for instance, through choice of participation in a wealthy range of extra curricular activities, via class councils and our Personal Development curriculum.Through our e-safety lessons, children learn how to use the internet securely and safely for individualized learning and work set for each year group. The school promotes Anti-bullying Week each year to encourage awareness of how to prevent bullying and promote a positive and inclusive environment within school and the wider world. Each year there is a different focus to promote individual and collective action to stop bullying.

Mutual respect is at the heart of our values and is also one of our own school values. Children learn that their behaviours have an effect on their own rights and those of others. Each member of our school community including pupils and staff treat each other with respect and values each other’s contributions.  

Castle Newnham is a diverse school. Throughout our curriculum and school ethos, we celebrate all different faiths and cultures. Staff aim to enhance pupils’ understanding and respect for different cultures, faiths and beliefs through a host of cross curricular learning.

Castle Newnham is all about celebrating its CORE values. The CNS Values Badge system allows pupils to showcase their commitment to these values. Pupils can earn badges for consistently demonstrating exceptional behaviour that reflects each CORE value, and becoming role models for their peers. The system also recognises involvement beyond the classroom. Pupils who actively participate in 4SIXTEEN Theatre Productions and Sport can achieve Bronze, Silver, and Gold awards.  Leadership roles like leading catering events, reading buddies, Green Team champions, and language learning advocates are also recognised with badges. Every pupil wears a house badge with pride, and those on the Junior Leadership Team (JLT) have their own badges to display. The CNS Values Badge system is a way for pupils to be recognised for their achievements, dedication, and leadership throughout their time at Castle Newnham.

Castle Newnham fosters school spirit through its house system. Each pupil proudly wears a badge representing their house: Kenilworth, Stirling, or Conwy, named after historic castles renowned for their strength and resilience.

Throughout the year, friendly competition ignites during house events. From academic quizzes to thrilling sports matches, pupils band together to earn points.

House rivalry extends beyond the classroom walls too, with pupils working collaboratively to raise funds for local and national charities. This system not only fuels a sense of belonging but also teaches valuable lessons in teamwork, sportsmanship, and the importance of giving back to the community.

The Deputy Head Pupils and Head Pupils are responsible for a House.