British Values
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 its definition of British values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy, and these values have been reiterated by the Prime Minister this year. At Preston Primary these values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways:
Democracy:
Democracy is rife within the school. Pupils have the opportunity to have their voices heard through our Pupil Council and Pupil questionnaires. The election of school council members, as well as the winner of the class Rights Respecting Pupil of the week are based solely on pupil votes. Our school behaviour policy involves rewards which the pupil’s vote to decide on as a class group. In addition we have a ‘Have your say school council display’ that everyone can contribute to. We involve parents within the decision making process and encourage them to vote with their child for various activities including school priority planning.
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 our five golden rules, that they govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when these rules are broken. Visits from outside agencies as well as our assembly themes 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 safely, through a provision of a safe environment and an empowering education. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised how to exercise these safely, for example through our E-Safety, Preston Curriculum, Philosophy for Children 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:
Part of our school ethos and behaviour policy has revolved around Core Values such as ‘Respect’, and pupils have been part of discussions and assemblies related to what this means and how it is shown. Our golden rules are displayed around the school and these promote respect for others and this is reiterated through our classroom and learning rules, as well as our behaviour policy. Family groups play a large part in developing mutual respect as children are taught across age phases as well as being part of the family lunchtime groups.
Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs:
This is achieved through enhancing pupil’s 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. Members of different faiths or religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school.
As a school we have mapped into our curriculum where these foundations are entwined within our curriculum delivery in addition to our Preston Curriculum and family groups .
