Promoting British Values
At Valence we provide for the spiritual, moral, social and cultural (SMSC) development of our pupils. As part of this we actively promote fundamental British values.
The government defines these as:
- The rule of law
- Individual liberty
- Mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs
What does this mean for my child?
Our efforts to promote fundamental British values are designed to prepare children for life in modern Britain.
Ultimately, we aim to help pupils understand:
- The importance of combating discrimination
- How we can influence decision-making by taking part in democratic
- processes like voting and petitioning
- Our freedom under British law to choose different faiths and beliefs
- That the law is there to keep us safe
Democracy is embedded at Valence, pupils are listened to by adults and are encouraged to listen carefully to each other, respecting the right of all individuals to have an opinion. Pupils are given the opportunity to air their opinions and thoughts through our School Council and day to day interactions. The elections of the School Council members are based on pupil votes, reflecting our British electoral system and demonstrate democracy in action.
The Rule of Law
The importance of Laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced across the school. This is also evident when dealing with behaviour. Through our school rules and rewards, pupils learn the values and reasons behind laws and also to accept responsibility for their behaviour. All staff are committed to promoting good. Visits from authorities such as the Police, Fire Service etc. are regular parts of our calendar and help to reinforce the message of distinguishing between right and wrong.
Within school, pupils are encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. At Valence we educate and provide boundaries for our pupils to make choices safely, through the provision of a safe environment. Our pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised how to exercise these safely.
Part of our school ethos and behaviour policy revolves around our Values such as ‘Respect’. Pupils take part in discussions and assemblies related to what this means and how it is shown. Displays around the school promote respect for others and this is reiterated through our classroom and learning rules.
Tolerance of Those With Different Faiths And Beliefs
Our core value of Respect ensures tolerance of those who have different faiths and beliefs. At Valence we encourage the understanding of different faiths and beliefs through religious education studies, P.S.H.E. work, visits to places of worship to deepen understanding of different celebrations. We also embrace the wide range of languages used by pupils at Valence.