Poole Grammar School is committed to serving its community.  It recognises the multi-cultural, multi faith and ever-changing nature of the United Kingdom.  We actively promote fundamental British values as we believe they serve as core values for any community where people strive to work together.  These values comprise:

• Democracy
• The rule of law
• Individual liberty
• Mutual respect
• Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs

We seek to propagate these fundamental values within our taught curriculum, within school activities such as assemblies and extra-curricular activities, and through school rules and procedures.

Democracy

The principle of democracy is consistently reinforced at Poole Grammar School.  Democratic processes are used to select tutor group representatives, and staff and students vote in the process when we select Senior Prefects.  School elections are held to coincide with General Elections and referendums.

 The rule of law

The importance of rules, whether they are those that govern the school or the country, are consistently reinforced at Poole Grammar School.

Students are taught to understand and value the laws that govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken.  The importance of rules that we all adhere to is emphasised in the taught curriculum, including PSHE.

Individual liberty

At Poole Grammar School, students are actively encouraged to make independent choices, with the knowledge that they are in a safe, secure and supportive environment. Staff at Poole Grammar School educate and provide boundaries for students to make informed choices, through a safe environment and based on effective, objective guidance.

Students are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised on how to exercise these safely, for example through e-safety/PSHE lessons assemblies.

Mutual Respect

Respect is a strong part of Poole Grammar School and is an integral part of our ethos.  Students learn that their behaviour has an effect on their own rights and those of others and understand the implications for others of their actions.  The school actively promotes the showing of respect for those with different views or lifestyles, including differences of sexuality and culture.  Our extensive programme of charitable support encapsulates our commitment to supporting others.

Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs

Students and staff are equipped to understand their place in a culturally diverse society and by giving the opportunities to experience such diversity within the school through contributing to assemblies.  Students are actively encouraged to share their faith and beliefs within the school and by celebrating festivities throughout the calendar year, so that the whole of the school community can benefit.  Parents and other members of the community contribute to the diversity of experience that is a key part of school life.

Overall, we encourage our students to seek ways of actively contributing these values to their community, and to challenging any behaviour which is harmful to community cohesion and harmony.