The Government set out its definition of British values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy, and these values were reiterated in 2014. At Thornton-in-Craven CP School, these values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways. We keep an up to date audit of all such teaching and learning opportunities.
Children have many opportunities for their voices to be heard. Pupils and staff reguarly discuss issues and ideas. Pupils are able to genuinely effect change within the school. Pupils are taught about democracy through mock elections and when visiting the Houses of Parliament.
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. A visit to the Houses of Parliament recinforces this.
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 be 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.
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 and everyone genuinely cares for one another.
Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs
Thornton-in-Craven is situated in an area which is not greatly culturally diverse, therefore we place a great emphasis on promoting diversity with the children. Assemblies are regularly planned to address this issue either directly or through the inclusion of stories and celebrations from a variety of faiths and cultures. Our RE, and PSHE teaching reinforces this. Members of different faiths or religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school.
At our school, we will challenge pupils, staff or parents expressing opinions contrary to fundamental British Values, including ‘extremist’ views.