Our pupils will encounter rules and laws throughout their entire lives. We want our pupils to understand that whether these laws govern the class, the school, the neighbourhood or the country, they are set for good reasons and must be adhered to.

At Norwood Primary, we have 5 golden rules that the children learn and are referred to constantly through both class and whole school assemblies. These rules give the children clear guidance on how to behave to ensure that their class and school is a safe and happy place for children. The understanding of the importance of these rules is consistently reinforced through assemblies and our curriculum. At the start of teach year all children in all classes agree a charter which sets out their rights, and their responsibilities. This teaches the children the importance of agreeing a code of behaviour to ensure that everyone in their class and community can feel safe, happy and achieve to their full potential.

We have regular assemblies about the Golden Rules to promote  children’s understanding and social development. 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.

Each class create their own class charter at the start of each new academic year and it is reviewed as the year progresses.. In 2015 we celebrated the anniversary of the signing of the very first charter, the Magna Carta, and how it was instrumental in creating the country’s first ever laws which have continued to govern our country.

 Throughout the year we welcome visits from members of the wider community including police, PCSOs, Hampshire Fire Service  and many more. We believe that clear explanations and real life stories emphasise the importance of the rule of law for our pupils.

Pupil questionnaires and interviews are also conducted throughout the year. We know that the work of our school council and the active participation of our pupils will sow the seeds for a more sophisticated understanding of democracy in the future.