HPS Values

At Hebrew Primary School, we aim for:

  • Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural Development

  • The promotion of Hebrew Primary School's Values - in order to ensure that children leave prepared for life in the modern world as proud Jewish Gibraltarian citizens.

  • To actively promote the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual tolerance and respect of those with different faiths and beliefs.

  • We aim for our children become valuable and fully rounded members of society who treat others with respect and tolerance, regardless of background.

  •  Children understand the importance of respect, leaving school fully prepared for life in the modern Gibraltarian/British world.

These objectives are met in the following key strategic approaches at Hebrew Primary School:

  • Prayers

  • A dynamic Jewish Studies curriculum across the whole school.

  • The development of middot (positive character traits) through the whole curriculum and through specific topics in aspects of the curriculum.

  • Regular assemblies and projects focussing on developing respect and other Hebrew Primary School's values.

  • Outreach to the community and other schools.

At our school, we are committed to fostering a community grounded in the values of Kavod (respect), kindness, and courage. We strive to instil in our students a deep respect for themselves and for those they encounter, regardless of similarities or differences. It is essential that our children understand and appreciate the uniqueness of every individual, recognizing that everyone deserves to be treated with the utmost respect.

Kindness is another cornerstone of our school culture. We believe that nurturing a caring and considerate environment starts with teaching children the importance of kindness, both towards themselves and others. Our school ethos emphasizes the profound impact of kindness, and this value is consistently reinforced throughout our community, from staff to students.

Courage is equally vital in the development of our students. We encourage them to approach challenges in their work with determination, to ask difficult questions, to voice concerns to staff, and to make ethical choices, even when it is difficult. We also want our students to have the courage to embrace their Jewish identity and stand confidently in who they are.

At Hebrew Primary School, we are committed to serving our community and local area. In so doing we reinforce Hebrew Primary School's values regularly and in the following ways:

Democracy:

  • Democratic values are an explicit part of the ethos at Hebrew Primary School. All adults listen to the views of the pupils and value their opinions. We vote for School Counsellors, eco-counsellors and learn about the concept of democracy.

The Rule of Law:

  • The importance of laws and rules are consistently reinforced in the classroom, as well as through school assemblies. Pupils are taught to understand the need for laws - that they are there for individual protection, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken. Pupils follow a positive behaviour policy and clearly understand the rewards and sanctions that are used. Assemblies and discussions focus on recognising right from wrong and visits from the police, fire service and local councillors help to reinforce these messages. Children learn that Jewish Law encourages the following of the Laws of the land.

Individual Liberty:

  • Pupils are encouraged to be independent learners, constantly making choices, within a safe and supportive environment. Developing their self-esteem and self-confidence is very important. Pupils are encouraged to understand their personal freedoms and are taught how to use these rights to best effect. All pupils are keen to support charities, whether local, national or global. They are taught consideration for others through our PSHE lessons, assemblies and school projects. E-safety teaching and personal safety sessions enable them to make choices in a safe manner.

Mutual Respect:

  • Our school’s ethos and behaviour policy are based on Torah values. Assemblies constantly promote respect for others and the importance of good manners. All pupils are taught the importance of self-respect, honest and open communication with others and fair play. Pupils work collaboratively and value others’ opinions.

Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs:

  • As a Jewish school, pupils are reminded of their place in a culturally diverse society. This is achieved through our Religious Education curriculum and the spiritual life of the school. Assemblies and class work promote the diversity of society and the right for each person to be respected and valued equally.