Values & Ethos
The DfE have recently reinforced the need ” to create and enforce a clear and rigorous expectation on all schools to promote the fundamental Britsh 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 are reinforced regularly and in the following ways:
The pupils at Bodsham have a strong Voice in our school. We have an active School Council that meets regularly. Our School Council discuss a wide range of issues and have choice and a say in how school events are organised, such as our fund raising days for charity. Our Curriculum Council feedback each term about what they have particularly enjoyed learning and what they would like to see in the following term’s curriculum. There are also other opportunities for pupils to have a voice in the daily running of the school such as the choice of the paint on the toilet walls.
The Rule of Law
The importance of Laws, whetherthey be those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced throughout the regular schooldays, as well as dealing with behaviour and through school Acts of Worship. Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind laws, that they govern and protect us, the responsibilites that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken. Visits from authorities such as the Police and Fire Service help reinforce this message.
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 is 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.
As a church school, 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.
Tolerance of those Different Faiths and Beliefs
Bodsham is situated in an area which is not greatly culturally diverse, therefore we place a great emphasis on promoting diversity within the children. Our RE and PHSE teaching reinforce the teaching and tolerance of other faiths. Members of different faiths or religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school. We have a display board in school that celebrates the different cultrues within our school community. At Bodsham we will actively challenge pupils, staff or parents expressing opinions contrary to fundamental British Values, including ‘extremist’ views.