British Values
Our school embraces many opportunities to promote British Values, defined by the government as the following:
Democracy
Democracy is at the centre of our school values and involves all stakeholders. Pupils have the opportunity to have their voices heard through our School and Eco Councils, Sports Crew and pupil perception carried out throughout the year. School Council Members are elected by pupils and represent their voice. As 'community' is one of our key curriculum drivers, parents, governors and all staff are involved in contributing their opinions and improving the school on a regular basis.
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 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. Our behaviour policy reflects our aim to teach children about the importance of respect, justice and consequence in a nurturing, supportive environment that develops the whole child. Our work on equality legislation through the Educate and Celebrate Programme has also enabled reflection on society and individual rights and responsibilities.
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 of provision of a safe environment and empowering education. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and we advise how to exercise these safely through our E-Safety and PSHE lessons. Within the curriculum we promote enquiry based learning that enables children to become independent learners. Whether it be through choice of challenge, how they record, participation in extra-curricular clubs and opportunities, pupils are given the freedom to make choices.
Mutual respect
Our federation ethos and many of our policies revolve around important 'Values for Life' such as ‘Respect’, and pupils have been part of discussions and assemblies related to what this means and how it is shown in practice. This is also an integral part of our behaviour management 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. Assemblies and discussions involving prejudices and prejudice-based bullying have been followed and supported by learning in RE and PSHE. Our work on the Educate and Celebrate programme has really enabled children to respect all for who they are regardless of their given characteristics and acceptance of difference is paramount.
Members of different faiths or religions have shared their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the schools. Visits to local places of worship also shape the RE curriculum. Within the curriculum children have the time to reflect on their own beliefs and discuss their opinions with others so their spiritual development is enhanced. The school provides a culture where pupils can do this and celebrate diversity.
In actively promoting British Values, we will also focus on, and are able to show how our work with pupils is effective in, embedding fundamental British values. Actively promoting also means challenging pupils, staff or parents expressing opinions contrary to fundamental British Values, including ‘extremist’ views.