Promoting British Values
The DfE reinforce 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.”
Democracy
Democracy is embedded at the school. Pupils are always listened to by adults and are taught to listen carefully and with concern to each other, respecting the right of every individual to have their opinions and voices heard. Pupils also have the opportunity to air their opinions and ideas through our School Council and regular questionnaires. Children have many opportunities for their voices to be heard. The school council meet regularly to discuss issues raised in class council meetings. Children are encouraged to work democratically when carrying out group tasks, by identifying and allocating different roles.
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 school, as well as when dealing with any negative behaviour and through whole school/class assemblies.. Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind laws, in that they govern and protect us and also learn about the consequences when laws are broken. Visits from authorities such as the Fire Service help reinforce this message. The children are aware of different rules for different circumstances, such as swimming, using the playground equipment and use of the computers.
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 pupils to make choices safely, through provision of a safe environment. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and advised how to exercise these safely, for example through our Online Safety and PSHCE lessons. Whether it be through choice of learning challenge or of participation in extra-curricular clubs and opportunities, pupils are given the freedom to make choices. Each child has their own space within the school, through a personal peg and a tray in which to keep their belongings.
Mutual Respect
Mutual respect is at the heart of our values. As a church school, we actively promote respect for all people, irrespective of religion, creed, colour, background, social standing, ability, gender, ethnicity or sexual orientation. We are a very inclusive school and value all children and their families. Children learn that their behaviour has an effect on their own rights and those of others. All members of the school community treat each other with respect. This underpins our work every day both in and out of the classroom. We celebrate each other’s achievements through a weekly Achievement Assembly. These achievements may be academic, social or relate to children’s talents. Children learn how to respect and appreciate each other’s differences in an out of school context when they go on the residential visit in KS2. Our PSHCE curriculum encourages children to listen to each other’s opinions and value them, even if they are different to their own. Adults within school are positive role models for the children through the way they positively interact with each other. Teachers show respect for children’s work by marking it consistently and providing feedback. In return, children present their work with care and take pride in the content of their work.
Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs
We place a great emphasis on promoting diversity with the children. Teaching in RE is planned to address this issue directly through the inclusion of stories and celebrations from a variety of faiths and cultures. Although Collective Worship is Christian in its teachings, we do, at times, talk about other faiths and their festivals during this part of the day. Through the curriculum, children learn about other cultures.
At St George's CE Primary School we will actively challenge pupils, staff or parents expressing opinions contrary to fundamental British Values, including ‘extremist’ views.