Democracy

At Summerhill School, students have many opportunities for their voices to be heard. There are regular “Student Voice” exercises involving students of all ages to ascertain their opinions on their Learning and related matters.  Students also experience voting which mirrors general elections and any issues that arise are dealt with in PSCHE lessons and assemblies.  Democracy is also promoted through our very extensive Duke of Edinburgh scheme and the History curriculum.

 

The Rule of Law

The importance of laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school or the country are consistently reinforced through the Sleuth monitoring system, school assemblies and PSCHE lessons as well as the Duke of Edinburgh scheme.  Students 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. 

 

Individual liberty

Within Summerhill, students are actively encouraged to make choices in a safe and supportive environment. We educate and provide boundaries for young people to make choices safely, through provision of a safe environment and empowering education.  Students are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and advised how to exercise these safely, for example through E-safety, PSCHE, assemblies as well as through participation in our numerous extra-curricular activities.

Mutual Respect

As a rights respecting School, mutual respect is at the heart of our values.  Our students learn that their behaviours have an effect on their own rights and those of others.  All members of the school community treat each other with respect and this is promoted in various areas, including assemblies, PSCHE lessons and RE lessons.

 

Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs

Our RE, PSCHE and assemblies promote tolerance of different faiths and beliefs. Assemblies are regularly planned to address this issue either directly or through the inclusion of stories and celebrations from a variety of faiths and cultures.  Members of different faiths or religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school.