Introduction

1. This policy draws on the Aims and Objectives of WES and attempts to underpin other Key Policies such as Equal Opportunities, Literacy, Pastoral and our Code of Conduct.
2. William Ellis, a philanthropic businessman, founded a school where there would be no daily prayers or teaching linked to any one faith or denomination. Nevertheless he was a man of principle, and brought to his work a strong sense of the duty to help others – what we would now call 'making a contribution to society'.
3. In this Voluntary Aided School of today, with students of many faiths, cultures and languages - and from over 70 sovereign states - there are many reasons to carry on the founder's tradition. Like him, we should respect other people's religion and each person's own spiritual life. We should equally respect another's culture, property, and person. Prejudice often arises from ignorance, greed, or fear, and this School fully contests opinions and actions which are prejudicial to the interests of others, whether linked to race, gender, sexuality or religion.


Aims
4. We will try to set a good example of relations between adults, and between students and teachers, which we would wish to be followed by everyone.
5. When a student does well, we will always try to notice this and where appropriat e recognise and reward it. When a student does wrong, we will always try to find out the facts, and to encourage the student to make a confession as an indication that he is genuinely sorry. Where a punishment is appropriate, it should not humiliate the student but whenever possible it should help that student to return to good standing in the school, and to make a fresh start. Everyone is entitled to respect from others and to develop a sense of self respect.


Objectives
6. Accordingly, in our formal Programmes of Study and through the informal curriculum and 'ethos' of the School, we seek to promote our values through: Spiritual Development: to provide knowledge and insight into values and beliefs so that students reflect on their experiences and develop a spiritual awareness, selfknowledge and self-worth

Moral Development: to teach the principles which distinguish right from wrong so that students listen to their conscience rather than self interest, and are willing to take responsibility for their actions based on shared values and moral rules

Social Development: to encourage students to be tolerant of each other, to relate positively and to encourage both a concern for social justice and citizenship and also a desire to participate fully in the processes which underpin society.

Cultural Development: to help foster an understanding and appreciation of students' own cultural tradition and the diversity and richness of other cultures.


Governors' Annual Review: Autumn Term