The Department for Education recommends that all schools in Britain should promote the following British Values:
- The rule of law
- Individual liberty
- Mutual respect for, and tolerance of, those with different faiths (or with no faith)
At Ashcott School we promote these values through our existing ethos/aims and through our diverse curriculum. We raise awareness in assemblies and through our strong sense of community and international links. Issues are also discussed in circle time activities and these values underpin our approach to PSHE.
Children have many opportunities for their voice to be heard. From our elected school council (GEMS Leaders) to GEMS activities and circle time, children can contribute ideas and take on extra responsibility within a clear system to collaborate with others for the greater good.
- The process of voting for GEMS leaders and understanding elections
- The role of political parties in government
- Democracy versus dictatorship (topic)
- Benefits of being a UK citizen in a democracy
Children are encouraged to discuss the news and we subscribe to 'First News' for Y5/6 as well as Espresso News which is also age appropriate.
The Rule of Law
The importance of Laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the GEMS team, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced throughout the school, as well as when dealing with behaviour and through weekly school assemblies. Children are taught the value and reasons behind laws that govern and protect us, the responsibilities that these involve and the consequences when the laws are broken. We have visits from the PCSO who works with children to reinforce the idea of 'consequences' for our actions.
- Fair Trade
- The role of the police (people who help us)
- Human rights
Within school, children are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing they are safe, kind and responsible. As a school we educate and provide boundaries for children to make choices safely, through a safe environment that seeks to empower their decisions. Children are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and advised how to exercise these safely. Whether it be through choice of learning challenge, participation in our numerous extra-curricular clubs and opportunities to join in with competitions, children are given the freedom to make choices.
- The rights of the child
- Human rights
- Keeping safe and consequences
- Where can I find help?
Children learn that their behaviours have an effect on their own rights and those of others from a very early age. We expect all members of the Ashcott community to treat each other with respect.
- Sense of self
- Respecting equality and diversity
- Working together to improve communities
- Community cohesion
- International links and learning about other cultures
Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs
Religious Education lessons reinforce the message of respect and tolerance of others, regardless of belief, race, culture or gender. Our curriculum's strong International dimension supports and reinforces this message. We are very proud of the way new children are accepted into the school and the community.