At Discovery Academy, pupils are encouraged to express their ideas, influence their environment and understand that their voice matters. We create opportunities for students to participate in decision-making and experience shared responsibility in ways that feel safe, structured and meaningful.

Democracy is promoted through:

• Student leadership roles across the school

• BOB Worry Crew, ensuring every child feels heard and supported

• Pupil Parliament, where pupils contribute to school improvement

• Sports Leaders, modelling fairness and responsibility

• Makaton Choir, where pupils collaborate and make shared decisions

• Football teams, teaching teamwork, fairness and shared responsibility

• Dance troupes, performing at school and community events

• PSHE lessons exploring fairness, decision‑making and democratic processes

• ICT learning about responsible online participation and digital citizenship

• Regular student voice surveys and consultation groups

Predictability, safety and clarity are essential for autistic learners. At Discovery Academy, we help pupils understand why rules exist and how they protect individuals and communities. We teach that boundaries are not about control, but about safety, fairness and respect.

We promote the rule of law through:

• Clear behaviour expectations and consistent routines

• Teaching rights, responsibilities and justice through PSHE

• Exploring online safety, digital laws and responsible use of technology in ICT

• Embedding Rights to Rights, helping pupils understand the rights of the child

• Reinforcing fairness and accountability across school life

• Promoting fair play and respect for rules in football, sports leadership and dance activities

Discovery Academy is a place where pupils are supported to explore who they are, what they enjoy and what they want to achieve. We help students develop confidence, independence and self‑belief, always within a safe and supportive framework.

We promote individual liberty by:

• Maintaining a strong safeguarding and anti‑bullying culture

• Encouraging pupils to express their views respectfully

• Teaching personal choices, consent and wellbeing through PSHE

• Supporting safe, independent use of digital tools in ICT

• Offering a broad curriculum and enrichment programme

• Providing creative outlets such as the Makaton Choir, dance troupe and football teams

• Helping pupils explore their interests, talents and future pathways

• Creating safe spaces where pupils feel comfortable sharing their ideas and identities

Respect is central to our ethos of kindness, care and self‑belief. At Discovery Academy, we celebrate individuality and teach pupils to value the differences and strengths of others. Respect is modelled, taught and lived throughout the school.

We promote mutual respect through:

• Modelling respectful behaviour in all interactions

• Celebrating the uniqueness of every pupil

• Teaching empathy, relationships and community through PSHE

• Promoting respectful online behaviour through ICT

• Embedding Rights to Rights, emphasising the importance of respecting the rights of others

• Encouraging teamwork and cooperation in football, dance and Makaton Choir

• Creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued

As a school serving a diverse community, we help pupils understand and appreciate the many cultures, faiths and worldviews that shape our society. We teach pupils to approach difference with curiosity, openness and kindness.

We promote tolerance through:

• Religious Education taught across all key stages

• Learning about different beliefs, traditions and cultures

• Open discussions about identity and diversity in PSHE

• Using ICT to explore global perspectives and challenge stereotypes

• Welcoming visitors and community partners from diverse backgrounds

• Celebrating cultural and religious events throughout the year

• Embedding Rights to Rights to promote equality and fairness

• Inclusive participation in Makaton Choir, football teams and dance troupes