"My husband and I like the small class sizes, as such not only are they academically challenged, they are taught good character and values. The teachers are striving to help them develop a sense of individuality, accountability and responsibility. We are particularly appreciative of the partnership we have with the school and its teachers because it is helping our children to be the best they can be, building their confidence, becoming rounded and happy individuals."

"We had spent months looking endlessly for a school that fitted the needs of our two sons after relocation from the USA. We visited Steephill School and immediately loved it. Small by design yet offering a warm ,comfortable and family atmosphere. The school has given our more than what we bargained for. As a family it is important for our boys to be prepared to be global citizens which is reflected by Steephill curriculum. They cultivate cross-cultural awareness activities through its international days , I see the boys are becoming more open and developing more meaningful, satisfying relationships."

British Values

British Values

We promote fundamental British values and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.  We reflect the religious backgrounds represented in our community in collective worship and actively promote British values, encouraging our pupils to regard people of all faiths, races and cultures with respect and tolerance. 

The DfE have recently reinforced the need “to create and enforce a clear and rigorous expectation on all schools to promote the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.”  The Government set out its definition of British values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy.

At Steephill School these values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways:

Democracy 

Democracy is embedded throughout our school curriculum.  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.  Pupils also have the opportunity to air their opinions and ideas through our ambassador roles, school council representatives, Community Leader and regular pupil questionnaires.  The elections of the ambassador roles are based solely on pupil votes, reflecting our British electoral system and demonstrating democracy in action.

The Rule of Law

The importance of laws, whether they are those that govern the class, the school or the country, are consistently reinforced. Each class discusses right from wrong and sets their own class rules that are clearly understood by all and seen to be necessary to ensure that every class member is able to learn in a safe and ordered environment.  Our pupils are taught the values and reasons behind laws, that they govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken.

Individual Liberty

Within school, pupils are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment.  As a school, we educate and provide boundaries for our pupils to make choices safely, through the provision of a safe environment and an empowering education.  Our pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised how to exercise these safely; examples of this can be clearly seen in our e-safety and PSHE lessons.  Whether it is through choice of challenge; of how they record; of participation in our numerous extra- curricular activities; our pupils are given the freedom to make choices and are encouraged to act responsibly and show initiative.

Mutual Respect

The pupils have been part of discussions and collective worship related to what this means and how it is shown. Respect is one of the values that is taught explicitly within lessons, collective worship, enabling pupils to contribute positively to the lives of those living and working in the locality of our school.  It is shared with home through newsletters and website information.  Adults throughout the school model, demonstrate and promote respect for others as do older children who have suitable, age related, tasks and responsibilities and this is reiterated throughout classroom and learning rules, as well as our behaviour.

Tolerance of Those with Different Faiths and Beliefs

Our core concepts ensures tolerance of those who have different faiths and beliefs. Steephill School enhances pupils’ understanding of different faiths and beliefs through religious education studies; PSHE work; visits and trips; welcoming visitors in order to celebrate differences and enjoying a depth of study during themed weeks. Beliefs, traditions and customs from around the world are studied, with visitors being invited into our school to enrich and extend understanding.  Through these activities, our pupils gain an enhanced understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society and an understanding of the importance of identifying and combatting discrimination.

Our Pupil Ambassadors

At Steephill we pride ourselves on developing leaders for the future. Each child in Year 6 is allocated a role which they undertake for the duration of the school year. We challenge each of them to leave behind a lasting legacy which develops their role for future generations.

Class 6 roles   

• Head of School               

• Deputy Head of School        

• School Council Leader  

• Charity and Community Ambassador  

• House Captain Bignold    

• House Captain Ford       

• House Captain Francis   

• Wildlife & Eco Ambassador        

• Anti Bullying Ambassadors      

• Boys’ Sports Captain     

• Girls’ Sports Captain    

• The Arts Ambassador  

• Librarian and Love of Reading Ambassador 

• Wellbeing and Mental Health Ambassador      

• Technology Ambassador    

• KS1 and Early Years Ambassador    

• Mentor for Peers              

Class 5 roles  

Vice-Captain Bignold    

Vice-Captain Ford      

Vice-Captain Francis  

Whole School Subject Ambassadors: 

• RE Ambassadors 

• Music Ambassadors 

• Maths Ambassadors 

• Science Ambassadors 

• Language Ambassadors