This word comes from the Greek words “demos” (people) and “kratos” (rule or power). Democracy is all about listening to the needs of everyone and arriving at a decision which most people agree with. For example, we have a general election every four or five years.  Not everyone will be happy with the outcome all of the time, but the important thing is that everyone (aged 18 and above) is given the opportunity to have their say with their vote.  The democratic process requires careful thinking and respect for other peoples’ views. 

Democracy at Newlands

Students learn about Democracy through our PSHE programme and also through the Pastoral Programme during morning registration. They have many opportunities for their voices to be heard. For example, our Student Council is voted in democratically through a system of elections held in the autumn term through assemblies.  Elected representatives then meet regularly and they have effected change within the school.  For example, they campaigned for new outdoor picnic benches and shelters.  They also led the transition to eco-friendly cutlery in the canteen and were heavily involved in selecting the school caterers.

The law is important because it acts as a guideline for acceptable behaviour in our community.  By following the law, you help protect others and ensure that people are equal. If laws are not followed, you are held responsible and may face a punishment.

The Rule of Law at Newlands

Students learn about The Rule of Law through our PSHE programme (for example, in the context of relationships and drug use) and also through the Pastoral Programme during morning registration. Like society as a whole, a school also needs to have regulations.  At Newlands our school rules are underpinned by our core values of courage, commitment and compassion and the key principle of our behaviour policy is positive relationships.  Students are taught the importance and reasons behind school rules and the possible consequences if they are not upheld. We also welcome visitors to the school to talk about different issues, such as Thames Valley Police and DASH, a charity which supports victims of domestic violence.

Individual liberty is the rights of British citizens to make choices.  These liberties are not controlled by the government.  They include the right to freedom of speech about topics such as religion, identity and politics and the right to make decisions about work and family, although we must uphold the law.

Individual Liberty at Newlands

Students learn about Individual Liberty through our PSHE programme and also through the Pastoral Programme during morning registration. The school provides a safe and secure environment in which to consider and make good choices every day. Through our core values, the 3 Cs, students are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms safely and responsibly.

Mutual Respect and Tolerance refer to the attitudes we develop towards the individual liberty of other people, even if their choices, beliefs and way of living are different to our own, and even if we disagree with them.

Mutual Respect and Tolerance at Newlands

Students learn about Mutual Respect through our PSHE programme and also through the Pastoral Programme during morning registration. All members of the school community treat each other with respect.  We also place great value on promoting diversity.  European Day of Languages assemblies do this, and our Culture and Diversity Day in the summer term is a great celebration of different heritages, faiths and ethnicities.  Our programme of assemblies is particularly successful in celebrating our inclusive community, and our RE curriculum also reinforces this.  Every year our Rainbow Alliance celebrates LGBTQ+ History Month with assemblies.  Students of Islamic faith have use of our Prayer Room and Christians meet regularly at the “Revive” group.

Extremism refers to any behaviour in which someone becomes obsessed with something, usually with negative consequences. Extremism often, though not always, involves religious beliefs and can become worrying.  If violence or intimidation are used to promote these views, this is regarded as Terrorism, which is against the law and British Values.  Schools have a responsibilities under the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act to “have due regard to the need to prevent young people from being drawn into terrorism”.

The PREVENT strategy is part of our Safeguarding Policy,  Newlands Girls’ School works in association with PREVENT.