The DfE have recently 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.”
The government set out its definition of British values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy, and these values have been reiterated by the Prime Minister.
These values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways:
Democracy
We promote Democratic rule throughout the school. We operate a Restorative Justice approach to disputes and fall outs where everyone has the right to have their voice heard and to be able to decide how to move forward. Pupils have the opportunity to have their voices heard through our very active Pupil Council and through talking to senior leaders about aspects of their learning and life in school. The council contribute their opinions and ideas which allow them to be genuinely able to effect change within the school. Every child on the student council is voted in by their year group. House Captains are voted in by their House Group.
Examples within school:
- House Captains
- House Groups
- School Council
- Mini Vinnies (Justice and Peace group)
- SSOC (School Sports Organising Crew)
- SNAG (School Nutrition Action Group)
- Curriculum – Statements to live by; history lessons; debate and discussion lessons;
The Rule of Law
The importance of laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced. Pupils are taught from an early age the rules of the school. 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 Police and Fire Service are regular parts of our calendar and help reinforce this message. We also welcome in local MPs and have visits to promote democracy and the role of the government through workshops and assemblies.
Examples within school:
- Class rules
- Playground rules
- Restorative Approaches
- Home/school agreement
- Behaviour policy
- After school clubs code of conduct
- Curriculum: RE (ten commandments, Beatitudes), Statements to live by, rules which apply to safety (eg cookery lessons, e-safety)
- Assemblies/Liturgies/Mass, which reinforce the message of right and wrong
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 our provision of a safe environment and empowering education. 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 PSHCE lessons. They also understand that with rights come responsibilities.
Examples within school:
- Our pupils are encouraged to know, understand & exercise their rights, responsibilities & personal freedoms and receive advice about how to exercise these safely (eg e-safety)
- We support Fairtrade (rights of all)
- We support CAFOD (rights of all)
- Individual choice (participation in some areas – clubs, music, duties etc)
- Encouraging independence in their learning
Mutual Respect
Mutual respect is at the heart of our values. Children learn that their behaviours have an effect on their own rights and those of others. All members of the school community treat each other with respect.
Examples within school:
- Curriculum: RE, PSHE, Statements to live by
- Assemblies/Liturgies/Mass themes
- Charitable works: Mini Vinnies (social justice), CAFOD & Fairtrade
- School Ethos – modelled by all
- Expectations: Home school agreement, Anti-bullying policy
- Team work: Playground leaders, Cluster sport festivals
- Eco school
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. We actively promote diversity through our celebrations of different faiths and cultures. Religious Education lessons and PSHE lessons reinforce messages of tolerance and respect for others and allow the children to explore places of worship that are important to different faiths.
Examples within school
- RE curriculum: Study other faiths, Good Samaritan, Woman at Well
- Anti-bullying policy
- Other Faiths (assemblies, curriculum)
- Statements to live by
- Visitors to school
