British Values
Promoting Fundamental British Values.
In accordance with The Department for Education we aim to actively promote British values in schools to ensure young people leave school prepared for life in modern Britain.
Pupils are encouraged to regard people of all faiths, races and cultures with respect and tolerance and understand that while different people may hold different views about what is ‘right’ and ‘wrong’, all people living in England are subject to its law.
The Key Values are:
- democracy
- rule of law
- individual liberty
- mutual respect
- tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs
Democracy
Democracy is richly embedded within the school. Pupils' opinions are sought through our School Council, pupil questionnaires and regular pupil voice meetings with various staff members. . Children also regularly learn about wider political issues such as the most recent general election, the European Union vote and the process by which party leaders are elected through our engagement with Picture News.
Our school policies teach children how to become responsible citizens; this is embedded within all aspects of school life and shared with parents, carers and our governing body.
Rule of Law
The importance of laws, whether they are those that govern the class, the school, or the wider community, is consistently reinforced in our school.
Pupils are taught from an early age that " It is good to be green" and that staying within the rules and so within the green section of our behaviour chart is an expectation in our school. This is reinforced by the classroom, playground rules and other safety Rules. Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind rules and laws and how they govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken. Regular visits from authorities such as the Police and Fire Service help to reinforce this message.
Individual Liberty
Within school, our pupils are actively encouraged to make responsible choices. As a school we enable all pupils to make choices safely, through the provision of a safe environment and an empowering education.
Pupils are encouraged to know and understand their rights and personal freedoms; they are advised how to exercise these safely, for example through our E-Safety and PSHCE lessons. Pupils are given the freedom to make a wide range of choices, from attending extra-curricular clubs to supporting fundraising events. Within our acts of worship and engagement with Picture News, we teach pupils about basic human rights in the context of our society and wider world and initiate discussion around these issues.
Mutual Respect
Mutual respect is taught across our school as we welcome those of all faiths and none, all cultures and all backgrounds. All of our pupils are taught the importance of respect for self and others. 'Restorative Practice' is employed throughout the school to enable pupils to reflect on their behaviours and learn that these have an effect on their own rights and those of others. All members of the school community treat each other with respect. Adults throughout the school model and promote respect for others. This is reiterated through our school rules and our behaviour expectations.
Tolerance
Our school is situated in an area which is not greatly culturally diverse; therefore we place a great emphasis on promoting diversity with the children. Acts of worship and our RE lessons are carefully planned to promote an understanding of different faiths and cultures through stories, celebrations and visitors to the school. Members of different faiths or religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning and children visit places of worship that are important to different faiths.