Promoting British Values

At Risedale School, fundamental British values are embedded within our curriculum, our community partnerships, and our structured ‘World Ready’ Pastoral Programme. We empower pupils to embody our four core BEST values: RESPONSIBILITY, RESPECT, RESILIENCE, and RELATIONSHIPS, preparing them to thrive as confident, active, and compassionate citizens in modern Britain.

• Pupil Voice & 'Risedale Reports': Each week, pupils participate in tutor-led Risedale Reports sessions focused on current local, national, and global news stories. After exploring diverse viewpoints, pupils cast a direct vote on key topical questions—teaching them democratic engagement and showing how pupil voice directly shapes school policy. 
• Ambassador Programme: Our Ambassador Programme provides pupils with dedicated leadership roles to influence school life, champion environmental causes, and represent their peers.
• Democratic House Structure: Every pupil belongs to one of four Houses: Attenborough, Pankhurst, Seacole, or Turing, providing representation, promoting collaborative decision-making, and fostering healthy inter-house competition. 
• Electoral Literacy: Pupils take part in mock elections, gaining a practical understanding of the British political system and democratic processes.

• Discussion-Rich Pastoral Curriculum: Through weekly, spiralled Character & Values sessions, pupils develop oracy and debate skills in a safe, structured environment, learning to share, defend, and respectfully challenge opinions on moral and civic issues.
• Curriculum & Critical Thinking: British values are embedded across key stages, particularly within Social Studies and Religion, Philosophy and Ethics (RPE), where pupils examine human rights, ethics, and social justice.
• House Heroes as Inspiring Role Models: Each House is represented by a notable figure who exemplifies civic values and moral courage:
  • Attenborough House (Blue Tie): Inspired by Sir David Attenborough, promoting Responsibility towards our planet and global community. 
  • Pankhurst House (Purple Tie): Inspired by Emmeline Pankhurst, promoting Respect, individual liberty, and equality. 
  • Seacole House (Orange Tie): Inspired by Mary Seacole, promoting Resilience and selfless service to others.
  • Turing House (Red Tie): Inspired by Alan Turing, promoting positive Relationships, innovation, and inclusion.
• Inclusive Assemblies & Pastoral Time: Assemblies led by our Senior Leadership Team (SLT), Pupil Support Managers, subject specialists, and guest speakers provide regular opportunities to reflect on key observances and global events, including International Day of Peace, Anti-Slavery, Holocaust Memorial, and Cultural Diversity.
• Safeguarding & Wellbeing: Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility. We protect pupils from radicalisation and extremism through our rigorous Child Protection Policy and Prevent strategy awareness.
• Inclusion & Diversity 🏳️‍🌈: Annual Pride Month activities and our inclusive school values champion individual liberty and equality, ensuring every pupil feels safe, accepted, and celebrated.

As a 'Family of Learners', we equip pupils with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to make a positive contribution to society.

• Future Readiness & CEIAG: Through weekly Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance (CEIAG) utilising Unifrog, pupils explore their interests, challenge gender stereotypes in employment, and plan ambitious pathways for life beyond Risedale.
• Risedale Roundup & House Points: In weekly pastoral reflection sessions, positive engagement stamps earned across all subjects are tallied. Individual efforts feed into Year Group targets and contribute towards the annual House Cup. 
• Armed Forces Covenant: As a proud signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant, we support military families within the Catterick Garrison community and foster understanding among all pupils.
• Charity, DofE & Enrichment Activities: Pupils actively engage in local and national charity fundraising, complete the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE), and represent the school in regional sports and community projects.

Contact Details

For further information regarding Personal Development, British Values, or the 'World Ready' Pastoral Programme at Risedale, please contact Assistant Headteacher Mr Yale at yale.l@risedale.org.uk.