The DfE have reinforced the need “to create and enforce a clear and rigorous expectation on all schools to promote the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.”
We teach the children about British Values to help them understand the world around them and their part in it which supports our vision of our children to ‘live life in all its fullness’.
We support the development and understanding of British Values in a range of ways throughout the year so they are an integral part of school life.
The Core Values determined by the DfE are:
DEMOCRACY
Pupils will have the opportunity to have their voices heard through our School Council, Head Students and Prefects, House Captains, Eco Team and Anti-Bullying Ambassadors. They will act as role models across the school, in the classroom (particularly in debates) and through pupil questionnaires. The School Council inform school improvement through feedback on all aspects of school life.
MUTUAL RESPECT
Our school ethos and behaviour policy revolve around our Core Values of Love, Courage and Hope. Pupils have been part of discussions and worships related to what this means and how it is shown. Posters around the school will promote respect for others and this is reiterated through our classroom and curriculum, as well as our behaviour policy.
TOLERANCE OF THOSE OF DIFFERENT FAITHS AND BELIEFS
This is achieved through enhancing pupils understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society and by giving them opportunities to experience such diversity. Worships and discussions involving prejudices and prejudice-based bullying have been followed and supported by learning in RE and PSHE. Members of different faiths or religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school.
THE RULE OF LAW
The importance of Laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced throughout regular school days, as well as when dealing with behaviour, through school worship and PHSE. 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. Visits from authorities such as the Community Safer Neighbourhood Team, Fire Service, NSPCC are regular parts of our calendar and help reinforce this message.
INDIVIDUAL LIBERTY
Within school, pupils are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. As a school, we educate and provide boundaries for young pupils to make choices safety, through provision of a safe environment and empowering education. Our Trick Box Programme teaches them to take personal responsibility for their wellbeing , including how to be assertive. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and advise how to exercise these safely, for example through our E-Safety and PSHE lessons. Whether it be through choice of challenge of how they record, of participation in our numerous extra-curricular clubs and opportunities; pupils are given the freedom to make choices. During worships and circle time, we consider issues within the local and global context where groups or communities may not have the individual liberty or safety that we have in the UK.