Catholic school communities promote values that are both Catholic and British. By our words and actions we live out the ‘British’ values listed by the government below. However, we do much more than that, seeking to base all that we do on the teachings of Jesus Christ.
At Gumley House all subject areas make an effort to regularly reinforce these values but due to their nature they are most actively promoted through whole school and year assemblies, the pastoral system, tutor time and the subjects RE, PSHE, and History in particular.
Democracy
During PSHE the students are taught respect for democracy, how it works in this country and encouraged to participate in the democratic process.
Examples of the teaching of democracy:
In light of the election, our Government and Politics Department (working with PSHE, registration and assembly times) coordinated a General Election campaign and students had the opportunity to vote in the Gumley election on 12th December 2019. View our students' General Election results.
In History they make comparisons between the electoral system of the 19th Century and the present day and have to run their own 19th century election campaign.
There are many opportunities for the students’ voices to be heard within the school community, including our termly whole school Learner Voice forum.
The Sixth Form have hustings for the appointment of the Headgirl and Senior prefects, the students views are elicited, these and the views of the staff and the interview panel feed into the appointment process.
As a school we are a member of the Jack Petchey ‘Achievement Award Scheme’, this provides students with the opportunity to vote for students who have made great achievements not just inside but also outside of the classroom. The students elected to receive the award can then decide what the money will be spent on. Previous winners have bought resources for the 6th Form, materials for our music department and to lessen our plastic use and enhance recycling.
Annually Year 10 also takes part in the Jack Petchey ‘Speak Out Challenge’ this is the largest speaking competition for young people in the world and contribute to the Young Reporter Scheme where students have an opportunity to contribute their research and views, and write for a real live online newspaper.
We do these things because we want to help young people raise their aspirations, believe in themselves and make a contribution to their society.
The Rule of Law
The importance of laws and rules are consistently reinforced throughout the students’ time in school, as well as when dealing with behavioural issues and through school assemblies. We address and discuss laws/rules that govern the class, the school and the country through assemblies, tutor time and in lessons.
Pupils 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. Through the PSHE programme, year/school assemblies and tutor time students are taught to distinguish right from wrong and to respect the civil and criminal law of this country. Visits from authorities such as the Police, Fire Service and Nurses help reinforce this message.
In History students learn about how laws develop over time e.g. The English Reformation during the time of Henry VIII and the subsequent issues that it created during the course of English History up to the Act of Union in the 18th century.
Our behaviour policy is clearly stated in the school diary and establishes a clear use of rewards and sanctions, students are encouraged to behave positively by all staff and this is reinforced by the pastoral system and through the assembly programme.
Individual Liberty
Within school, students are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. As a school we educate and provide boundaries for students to make informed choices. Students are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised how to exercise these safely, for example through ICT lessons and PSHE lessons where the issues of ‘Risky Behaviour’ are addressed through the curriculum students examine the dangers in the outside and online world and how they can avoid them. There are a wide range of extra-curricular activities, clubs and trips that the students may attend; by participating in them we are enabling them to develop their self-knowledge, self-esteem and self-confidence outside of the traditional school day. We also hold 'drop down' days (Curriculum Extension Days) where the usual school timetable is suspended to enable deep learning and experiences which enhance understanding and repercussions of personal choices.
Mutual Respect
The school was established over 180 years ago by the Faithful Companions of Jesus and is inspired in all its work by the mission established by the founders of the school.
The School Mission Statement
Gumley House Convent School exists to provide a Catholic Education for girls.
In partnership with parents we help each girl to develop to full dignity as a person
in relationship with Jesus Christ and each other.
We place great importance on maintain strong school – home links.
Gumley encourages a life-long openness to education and a joy in learning
which will remain throughout life. Guided by the teaching of Jesus in the gospels
we promote a community of love, service and prayer, where:
each girl’s worth is recognised each girl’s contribution is valued no one benefits at the expense of another the school group looks outward to the wider community.
We seek to develop respect for others.
We help students realize that talents are gifts to be developed
for the good of the human community regardless of race, gender or religion.
We encourage concern for the disabled, the marginalised, the needy
and all those who are in any sense unable to live a life of full human dignity.
Mutual respect is at the heart of our values. Students are encouraged to accept responsibility for their behaviour, show initiative and to understand how they can contribute positively to the lives of those working in the locality of the school and to society. Students do this through their year groups and tutor groups, through their outreach at local homes for the elderly and through the many fundraising activities held throughout the year. During Lent the students raise money for FCJ charities in the Philippines and local charities. Students are also encouraged to reflect on their beliefs during their annual retreats (each year group).
We annually send a group of 6th Form students to assist pilgrims in Lourdes and they share their experiences with the school community through assemblies. The student ‘buddying’ programme assists students in year 7 (and across other year groups where needed) are paired with a ‘buddy’ in the Sixth Form who they can go and talk to whenever they wish.
On a weekly basis students from each tutor group contribute to their year assembly presenting topics promoting Christian values.
Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs
We enable students to appreciate and respect their own and other cultures through school/year assemblies, the PSHE programme. In RE Students study not only Catholicism but Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism and Islam. They consider faith traditions about life, death, love, marriage and relationships. Students examine the issues of morality, values, prejudice and discrimination, considering race, colour, gender, disability and religious discrimination.
In History students look at how different faiths and beliefs change over time, as part of their holocaust studies they visit a synagogue. We encourage students to understand and embrace the differences between different cultures whilst recognising that we are all citizens in the same country/world.
We run Spanish/French/Italian exchanges and conduct international visits, including China, so that the students can experience the life/culture of other countries and, as previously mentioned, our draw on our links with FCJ Sisters around the world.
Whilst we promote British values within the school community, we reserve the right to actively challenge pupils, staff or parents expressing opinions contrary to fundamental British Values, including ‘extremist’ views. We have an Equalities Policy, encompassing Disability, Race and Gender that has been ratified by the governors, this policy recognises and respects diversity, clear guidance is given about how to deal with prejudice related incidents.