Denbigh Values
At Denbigh High School we agree with 2017 statement from the Jubilee Centre that “[Schools] should help prepare [young people] for the tests of life, rather than simply a life of tests.” To help prepare our students for the ‘test of life’ we place emphasis on enhancing students’ value literacy and the meaning and associated actions we can take to embody those values.
Using the work of the Jubilee Centre as a guide we selected our 6 Denbigh Values in collaboration with students, staff, parents/carers and the school governing body. Each half term the students will focus on one of these values through and an assembly and form time activities.
The meaning of our values as well as the associated actions can be seen below.
Respect meaning:
Respect means treating others with courtesy, politeness and kindness.
Actions to demonstrate respect:
1) Express gratitude when others help you; always thank people when they have done something for you.
2) Be respectful towards other people's opinions, views, values and beliefs.
3) Be respectful of the school learning environment and educational equipment, recognise that other students need to use the equipment
4) When listening, give the speaker your full undivided attention
5) Do not insult people or put down people or their ideas.
6) Do not exclude or leave one person out.
Honesty meaning:
Honesty means telling the truth to yourself and to others. To be honest means you will present both yourself and your actions accurately to other people; you will always be a true version of yourself.
Actions to demonstrate honesty:
1) Own up when you have made a mistake or failed to be the best version of yourself. Tell the whole truth.
2) Speak out when you see something that harms someone, or the community in which you live.
3) Be considerate of others feelings when giving feedback.
4) Continue to be a true and best version of yourself online. Don't present others work as your own.
5) Be honest about your strengths and weaknesses around school and tell your teachers about these.
Resilience Meaning:
Being resilient means coping with change, challenge and difficult situations and learning from those situations.
Actions to demonstrate resilience:
1: Don't be afraid to make mistakes in lessons and if you get things wrong try again.
2: Have a clear vision for your future and refuse to let barriers stop you achieving your goals.
3: If you make a mistake with your behaviour, show resilience by reflecting on the experience and not repeating that mistake.
4: Know your strengths and weaknesses in each subject and seek help to improve.
5: Develop your ability to keep calm in challenging situations and express your emotions in a way that helps the situation.
Tolerance Meaning:
Being tolerant means accepting others individual differences and beliefs.
Actions to demonstrate tolerance:
1. Take ownership of your feelings and recognize that no one can make you feel a certain way without your permission.
2.Develop curiosity, learn about other people and cultures. In many cases, when we lack tolerance towards others it's simply because we don't understand them.
3. Change your perspective - try to think about things from other people's perspective.
4. Practice respect - alway use polite and courteous language and listen to what others have to say.
5. Be able to interact respectfully and appropriately with others of all ages from all different walks of life.
Independence Meaning:
Being independent means taking charge of your own learning, it is about recognising that you have power over your learning journey.
Actions to demonstrate independence:
1) Be curious - think about questions and try to find answers to those questions from different sources.
2) Analyse and reflect on your strengths and weaknesses in school - don't only focus on your strengths, work on the areas you are weaker on too.
3) Recognise that being independent does not mean working alone; working with someone else is an effective way to be independent.
4) Complete Homework to a high standard and plan your time at home.
5) Reading widely can encourage you to be more independent and will help you with all elements of your education.
Confidence Meaning:
Confidence means having faith in yourself or another. Confidence is having the ability to engage with situations with the appropriate level of courage and respect.
Actions to demonstrate confidence:
1. Develop a positive belief in yourself and your abilities.
2) Be able to effectively articulate your thoughts and feelings - if you do not understand something ask for help.
3) Do not fear making mistakes; recognise that mistakes are opportunities for you to grow.
4) Be able to recognise over confidence and modify your behaviour accordingly
5) Encourage praise and recognition - be an active contributor in lessons and seek 1s and 2s.
6) Recognise pressure from other people and say no if you are not comfortable doing something.