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
We have a school council that meets regularly. Prospective candidates share why they wish to be elected with their class and then each class votes for their own representatives.
Our Governing Body is comprised of elected representatives from the staff, parents and the community. They meet half termly with the Headteacher.
We will be inviting parents and carers for their views throughout the year and pupils will be asked to complete an annual questionnaire. A summary of the findings and resulting actions will be published on our website and in newsletters.
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 and through school assemblies. 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.
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 safely, through provision of a safe environment and empowering education. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and advised how to exercise these safely, for example through our E-Safety and PSHE lessons. Whether it be through choice of learning challenge, of how they record, of participation in our numerous extra-curricular clubs and opportunities, pupils are given the freedom to make choices.
Mutual respect
Our whole school ethos is built around mutual respect and we believe that respect for others is a vital component of moral development. We are an inclusive school where everyone is valued and has a contribution to make to the school. Children learn that their behaviours have an effect on their own rights and those of others.
We encourage open discussions in all areas but particularly in lessons which promote citizenship such as our SCARF lessons and Circletime. Staff help children to understand how to respect by talking about how actions/words can affect others.
We actively support all to develop their own reasoned views about moral and ethical issues.
Tolerance of those of different Faiths and Beliefs
Collective worship is planned to give children opportunity to reflect of a variety of beliefs, cultures and moral values. Our curriculum incorporates teaching and learning opportunities for children to explore aspects of the wider world and an appreciation of cultural diversity as in for example – Festivals, Divali and Chinese New Year. The RE curriculum is also carefully planned to equip children with the knowledge which will enable them to understand the diverse nature of people’s beliefs. We help them to understand, accept, respect and celebrate diversity.