British Values
The DfE have 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 its definition of British values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy.
At Beeford Primary School we ensure that we teach our children that society in Britain is diverse and therefore, our curriculum, ethos and values reflect this.
Democracy:
Democracy is embedded at all levels within the school. Committees are elected each year for School Council and Eco-Committees. Children are encouraged to volunteer to stand on the Fairtrade committee and work as Playleaders during the lunchtime break. Children are involved in the planning and leading of Collective Worship. Children also have the opportunity to have their voices heard through our School and Class Councils and regular Pupil questionnaires. The elections of House Captains are solely based on pupil votes. The allocation of house points linked to core values each term can be given by both adults and children. Our school behaviour policy involves rewards which the pupils have decided upon.
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. Each class has its own class charter and class rules which run alongside the school rules, vision and motto. 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. Visits from authorities such as the Police and the Fire Service are regular parts of our calendar and help reinforce this message.
Individual Liberty:
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 provision of a safe environment and empowering education. 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 numerous extra-curricular clubs and opportunities, pupils are given the freedom to make choices.
Mutual Respect:
Our school is a Church School and our school ethos and behaviour policies are based on Christian values such as ‘Respect’, and pupils have been part of discussions and assemblies related to what this means and how it is shown. Class charters and rules promote respect for others and this is reiterated through our behaviour policy. In school we have a Christian values tree, pupils can nominate other children for displaying any of the Christian values and write their nomination on a leaf. These are then read out in celebration assembly and the leaves are added to the tree. Children can recognise and acknowledge each other for demonstrating values such as perseverance, generosity, service and forgiveness.
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. Class worship and discussions involving prejudices and prejudice-based bullying have been followed and supported by learning in RE and PSHE. The school is proud of its ‘Fair-trade’ achiever award which recognises its commitment to supporting and improving the lives of others.
