Introducing Values Education

What is Values - based Education? A society holds together through the quality of its shared values (virtues), which are produced through a shared conversation. (Sachs, 1997) Values-based Education is an approach to teaching that works with values. It creates a strong learning environment that enhances academic attainment, and develops pupils' social and relationship skills that last throughout their lives.

Values-based Education is not... An extra bolt-on part of the curriculum A standalone in isolation Something that you can sample from time to time

Research Values Based Education was developed by Professor Neil Hawkes in the 1990s. Since that time it has been adopted by thousands of schools across the world. Research into its impact has shown: It is consistently accompanied by heightened self- awareness on the part of students It supports increasingly harmonious social interactions in the playground and classroom It sustains pupil and teacher wellbeing and creates an enhanced learning environment leading to greater academic diligence and improved pupil outcomes

Impact of wellbeing on academic attainment In November 2012, The Department for Education funded research into the link between the level of wellbeing and academic attainment. The report concluded that… " For academic progression, better emotional wellbeing is a key factor in primary schools…”

Why Values-based Education at Hilden Oaks To enrich the life of the school community by reinforcing positive attitudes and behaviours. To embed values that will touch the lives of children, staff and families. To nurture the conviction that the worth and integrity of every individual involved in the life and work of the school, is central to the creation of a values- based learning community. To celebrate, formalise, protect and enhance the existing ethos and culture of Hilden Oaks.

How do we do it? A two year rolling programme of Values P.S.C.H.E lessons Assemblies Recognition and rewards Positive behaviour management Involving the entire school community Informing and involving parents Acting as role models of the values Continued use of the values vocabulary Visual displays

What can you do? Talk to each other about the values you would most like your child/children to embrace Talk to your child/ children about Values Education, particularly the focus Value each month. Use Values vocabulary at home Recognise (and reward) your child/ children for demonstrating the Values at home Act as a role model for the Values

Examples of Values taught in other schools. Respect Caring Courage Tolerance Peace Simplicity Co-operation Hope Love Friendship Happiness Unity Honesty Patience Quality Understanding Humility Trust Responsibility Freedom

My Experience with Values Based Education What pupils have told me… What teachers have said… What parents have found… What I’ve heard from other organisations…