We promote core British values through our teaching, our community links and our mission and aims; these values are crucial in preparing our pupils for life in modern Britain.
Ways in which we promote democracy:
- We have a thriving Ambassador Programme of pupil leadership.
- A House System that creates a sense of community and promotes healthy competition amongst pupils and staff.
- Pupils are given the opportunity to take part in mock elections to understand more about the British political system and democratic process.
Ways in which we promote human rights; the rule of law; individual liberty; equality; tolerance and mutual respect:
- Through our curriculum, particularly in subjects such as Social Studies and Religion, Philosophy and Ethics (RPE). We 'actively promote' fundamental British values and challenge opinions or behaviours that would undermine these values.
- Our assembly/tutor time programme encourages mutual respect for and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs and for those without faith. Themes include International Days of, Peace, Anti Slavery, Holocaust Victims, Racial Discrimination, Children of Victims of Violence, Public Service and Cultural Diversity.
- We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and know that it is everyone’s responsibility. This includes keeping children safe from radicalisation and extremism: Child Protection Policy.
- We have a Stonewall School Champion accreditation recognising that as a school we are committed to:
- Tackling homophobic, biphobic and transphobic bullying.
- Making school a place where all pupils and staff - including lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people - are accepted without exception.
- Championing diversity and celebrating differences.
- We have a Positive Allies charter mark recognising that as a school we are friendly toward, and inclusive of, people living with HIV and that we actively challenge HIV stigma.
Ways in which we promote a sense of community:
The Risedale Family actively encourages and creates opportunities for our pupils to make a positive difference in the society in which they live. We do this by helping them develop knowledge, skills and confidence. We are 'The Risedale Family' and together we are 'A family of learners'.
- The Ambassador Programme allows pupils to take an active role in supporting others' learning, shaping the school, caring for our planet and contributing positively to our community.
- We have a thriving House System. Pupils wear a tie in their house colour generating a strong sense of identity and belonging. The House System supports our pupils to develop as confident, resilient, compassionate and successful individuals as outlined in our 5 key ‘Pillars of Success’.
- We support many local and national charities: Charity Work and Fundraising.
- We are a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant.
- Local churches are involved in our assembly programme.
- Our pupils represent the school at Area, County and National levels for sport.
- Our pupils take part in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award programme.