Children, parents and staff have many opportunities for their voices to be heard at St James’ CE Primary. Democracy is central to how we operate.

An obvious example is our Junior Leadership Team. The election of our junior leaders reflects our British electoral system and demonstrates democracy in action: candidates make speeches, pupils consider characteristics important for an elected representative, pupils vote in secret using ballot boxes etc.

Children learn the value of democracy throughout their time at Scholes (Elmet) Primary, even starting in Reception when they select a different book to read each day by voting.

Pupils are always listened to by adults and are taught to listen carefully and with concern to each other, respecting the right of every individual to have their opinions and voices heard. We encourage pupils to take ownership of not only their school but also of their own learning and progress. This encourages a heightened sense of both personal and social responsibility and is demonstrated on a daily basis by our pupils.

The importance of rules and laws, whether they’re those that govern our school or our country, are referred to and reinforced often, such as in assemblies and when reflecting on behaviour choices. At the start of the school year, for example, classes discuss our three simple school rules and their importance in the classroom and around school.

Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind laws, that they govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves, and the consequences when laws are broken. These values are reinforced in different ways:

• visits from authorities such as the police and fire service
• during Religious Education, when rules for particular faiths are thought about
• during other school subjects, where there is respect and appreciation for different rules – in a sports lesson, for example

Alongside rules and laws, we promote freedom of choice and the right to respectfully express views and beliefs. Through the provision of a safe, supportive environment and empowering education, we provide boundaries for our young pupils to make choices safely.

Our pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are taught how to exercise these safely, such as in Online Safety and Living and Learning lessons.

At St James’ CE Primary, we’re proud to promote and celebrate our different backgrounds and beliefs. Mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs are at the heart of our school vision and it’s one of our three school rules: We’re respectful.

Our pupils know and understand that it is expected and imperative that respect is shown to everyone, whatever differences we may have, and to everything, whether it is a school resource, a religious belief or whatever. This is part of our Positive Relationships policy. Children learn that their behaviour choices have an effect on their own rights and those of others. All members of the school community should treat each other with respect.

Specific examples of how we at St James’ CE Primary enhance pupils understanding and respect for different faiths and beliefs are:

• through Religious Education, Living and Learning and other lessons where we might develop awareness and appreciation of other cultures – in English through fiction and in Art by considering culture from other parts of the world, for example
• enjoying a depth of study during themed days and weeks, where sometimes we will celebrate and enjoy learning about the differences in countries and cultures around the word (whilst at other times we might consider groups or individuals who might be vulnerable in some way, such as those with mental health issues)

Sadly, no school can guarantee that there will never be instances which are contrary to this value. At St James’ CE Primary, such instances are extremely rare. They are treated seriously in line with our Positive Relationships Policy.