Our values statement reflects our ambition to be inclusive and responsive to all stakeholders, and we actively encourage everyone in our community to have a voice.

Examples within our school include:

• The Humanities curriculum explores rights and responsibilities in historical context, demonstrating the development of democracy and human rights in 21st-century Britain. The foundations and consequences of both democratic and authoritarian systems, political history, and reform are key elements of the History curriculum at all key stages.
• British Values are embedded within the Key Stage 3 and 4 PSHE programme. Students learn about voting and elections, the role of political parties in the UK, democracy versus dictatorship, the benefits of UK citizenship, the British Monarchy, acceptance of different beliefs and faiths, and the importance of challenging discrimination.
• A comprehensive assembly programme promotes democratic values and encourages reflection on the impact of not having the freedom to vote or be heard.
• Students are encouraged to debate topical issues, express their views, and make meaningful contributions to decisions that affect school life.
• Students may stand for election as tutor representatives and, in Year 11, apply to become House Leaders. These roles enable students to represent their peers and contribute actively to the school community.
• Student voice is further promoted through questionnaires and surveys.
• Students are consulted on policy development. All students contributed to the formation of the Behaviour Policy, including its values and systems. The Student Council has been consulted on the School Mobile Devices Policy, and the Anti-Bullying Policy was written and promoted by students.
• Democracy is reinforced through a strong culture of volunteering and fundraising, often driven by student initiatives. Students regularly raise funds for charities supporting both local and international communities.
• House Councils are democratically elected and play a role in informing decision-making.
• The Head Boy and Head Girl are elected following presentations, interviews, and a student vote.
• Biannual parent and student questionnaires gather feedback to support continuous improvement.
• Parent focus groups are held to seek views on specific issues affecting the school community.

Safety, good behaviour, and personal responsibility are central to our values and are reflected in the leadership and management of St Katherine’s School.

Examples within our school include:

• Clear Attendance and Uniform Policies that reinforce expectations and prepare students for life beyond school.
• A consistently applied Behaviour Policy that emphasises personal responsibility, informed choices, and clear consequences.
• School rules and expectations that are fair, transparent, and regularly reinforced.
• Students are encouraged to reflect on right and wrong through classroom discussions, assemblies, and social times.
• Behaviour and Anti-Bullying Policies operate with zero tolerance for aggression, abuse, or violence towards pupils, staff, parents, or carers.
• Trained peer mediators support younger pupils in resolving conflicts constructively.
• Competitive sport forms an important part of the curriculum, with a strong emphasis on fair play, participation, and respect for officials and rules.
• Police services contribute to educational initiatives, including learning about the law and abusive relationships.
• A strong safeguarding culture ensures that children’s rights and relevant laws are promoted through assemblies and student guidance.
• In Key Stage 3 Citizenship, students engage with topics such as law and justice, the role of the police, legal systems in the UK, human rights, crime and society, drug and knife crime, and issues surrounding consent and abuse.
• Students are consulted on policy development, including ongoing review of the Behaviour Policy.

Individual liberty and responsibility are central to our values. We carefully monitor equality data and actively promote inclusion, ensuring that all students have an equal voice and opportunity to succeed.

Examples within our school include:

• Students are encouraged to make informed choices within a safe and supportive environment, including subject choices at Key Stage 4.
• The English curriculum explores texts that reflect experiences of restricted liberty, encouraging empathy and critical thinking. They also develop students’ ability to express ideas confidently through speaking, creative writing, and transactional writing.
• Humanities and Citizenship curricula examine the development of human rights and responsibilities across historical and contemporary contexts, including issues such as radicalisation and homophobia.
• The Arts curriculum fosters creativity, self-confidence, and self-expression.
• Vulnerable students are protected, stereotypes are challenged, and an embedded anti-bullying culture ensures swift action against discrimination.
• In Citizenship and PSHE, students study rights and responsibilities, crime and the individual, and sources of support.
• Online safety, cyberbullying, and reporting abuse are integral elements of the Key Stage 3 ICT curriculum.
• Freedom of speech is promoted through the School Council and student forums.
• A culture of open, respectful dialogue is actively encouraged.
• A confidential wellbeing service is available to students who require additional support.

Mutual respect lies at the heart of our values, relationships, and approach to resolving differences. Positive relationships between students and staff underpin a respectful learning environment.

Examples within our school include:

• Staff consistently model respectful attitudes and behaviours.
• Positive language is promoted, celebrating diversity and difference.
• Assemblies address themes such as the Holocaust, Black History Month, slavery, child sexual exploitation, prejudice-based bullying, and inequality.
• Charity weeks organised by year groups empower students to support causes of their choice.
• Religious Education at Key Stages 3 and 4 develops understanding of, and respect for, diverse cultures and beliefs.
• The Arts curriculum promotes cooperation and exploration of difference through drama and performance.
• PE and sport reinforce fair play, teamwork, respect in competition, and resilience in both victory and defeat.
• PSHE and Citizenship encourage collaborative projects, community involvement, and respect for equality and diversity.
• Teaching strategies promote cooperative learning, including discussion-based approaches, peer-to-peer learning, and structured debate.
• Students and staff are encouraged to challenge discriminatory or prejudicial behaviour.
• Restorative justice approaches support conflict resolution and understanding.
• SEN reviews are student-led, ensuring learners’ voices are central to decision-making.
• Strong partnerships with parents and carers help foster a respectful and inclusive community.
• Family Support Advisors work closely with families who may find engagement with school challenging.

Our values prioritise tolerance and respect for all backgrounds, beliefs, and faiths. We are committed to equality of opportunity and go beyond statutory requirements to support those facing barriers due to their circumstances.

Examples within our school include:

• The English curriculum explores world literature that challenges stereotypes and promotes empathy.
• Major world religions are studied as part of the Religious Education curriculum.
• Assemblies and Humanities lessons encourage open and respectful discussion of contemporary issues such as immigration, radicalisation, and LGBTQ+ rights.
• A wide range of cultural visits and enrichment opportunities are offered throughout the year.
• A zero-tolerance approach to prejudice-based bullying is firmly embedded.
• An active Christian Union meets regularly.
• Black History Month is celebrated through tutor activities, assemblies, and a culminating football match.
• Whole-school events such as Culture Day and Pride celebrate diversity, inclusion, and mutual respect.