Student voice plays a big part of life at Purple Oaks Academy. All students are given the chance to be an academy council representative and they play a strong role in school improvement. Students are often encouraged to make an input in their learning and what they would like to learn which promotes student voice and learning motivation. For example, the students are involved in choosing texts, topics and themes for class assemblies. We feel that these opportunities to shape their academy will sow the seeds for a better understanding of democracy in the future. When national events take place e.g. General Elections we will always look for opportunities to encourage student debate and understanding around the subject ensuring all view points are given equal time. Debating skills are actively taught through literacy lessons.

We want our students to understand that whether these laws govern the class, the academy, the neighbourhood or the country, they are set for good reasons and should be followed. The understanding of our academy rules is consistently reinforced in corridors and classrooms, through assemblies and in our curriculum. The involvement of our students in the creation of the class rules helps them to understand the reasons behind rules and the consequences if these rules are broken. Throughout the year we welcome visits from members of the wider community including police, church, hospitals, the fire brigade and many more. We believe that clear explanations and real life stories emphasise the importance of the Rule of Law for our students.

We focus heavily on creating a positive culture in our academy, so children are in a safe environment where choices and freedoms are encouraged. Our positive behaviour approach encourages students to make individual choices. Through our E-Safety and Personal Social Health Education sessions, we help develop the children on their rights and personal freedoms as well as supporting them in recognising how to exercise these freedoms safely. We offer a number of clubs where students have the freedom to choose from, based on their interests.  At Purple Oaks we believe that valuing choice and freedom in daily academy life will foster a value for individual liberty as the children embark upon their adult lives

Respect and kindness towards others are some of our core values and therefore it plays an important role in our daily life. Mutual respect is promoted daily through the academy rules and our assemblies. The academy supports a range of charities through activities such as Macmillan Coffee Morning. Our reward system can capture “good citizens”, ie students who have been respectful or kind to others. Our mix of staff from other countries and international links also provide students with a wider sense of understanding and mutual respect. Mutual respect is at the core of our school life.

We offer a culturally rich and diverse curriculum in which all major religions are studied and respected. At Purple Oaks we strongly believe that tolerance is gained through knowledge and understanding. Through our curriculum and the routines of our daily academy life, we strive to demonstrate tolerance and help children to become knowledgeable and understanding citizens who can build a better Britain for the future.