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 their definition of British values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy. These were further reinforced in June 2014, by David Cameron, who emphasised the important role that British values can play in education.
At Awbridge Primary School these values are reinforced habitually and in the following ways:
Our School is an inclusive setting and our ethos and curriculum enables children to be independent learners, to make choices, and to build strong relationships with other children and adults. We believe that children flourish best when their personal, social and emotional needs are met and where there are clear and appropriate expectations for their behaviour.
Democracy is rife within the school. Pupils have the opportunity to have their voices heard through our Junior Leadership Team, House Captain, JRSO and Peer Mentors as well as through Pupil questionnaires. The elections of House Captains, is through an application process. Pupils then have an opportunity to tell the school why they should be a house captain and each class votes. Our school behaviour policy involves rewards as well as the given of yellow / red cards as and when warranted.
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 the school, 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.
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 safety, through our provision of a safe environment and developing learning behaviours through our ACORNS. 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 PSHE lessons. Whether it be through choice of challenge, of how they record, of participation in our extra-curricular clubs and opportunities, pupils are given the freedom to make choices.
Part of our school ethos and behaviour policy demonstrates our Core Values such as ‘Respect’, and pupils have been part of discussions and assemblies related to what this means and how it is shown. All stakeholders are expected to adhere to the school rules to enable a safe and respectful environment.
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. Children of different faiths in our school are encouraged to share their experiences of their various festivals and ceremonies. Members of different faiths or religions are encouraged to come to school and share their knowledge in assemblies and in the classes to enhance learning the school.