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 and are as follows.
Democracy
Being able to influence the decision making process through the democratic process.
Democracy is important within the school. As well as through the curriculum; pupils also have the opportunity to have their voices heard through our Pupil Council and Pupil questionnaires. Our school behaviour policy involves rewards which the pupils vote on as a class group.
The Rule of Law
Knowing that living under the rule of law protects the individual.
The importance of Laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country, is 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. Visits from authorities such as the Police; Fire Service; etc. are regular parts of our calendar and help reinforce this message.
Individual Liberty
Having the freedom and protection to choose and hold the belief/faith you want.
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 the provision of a safe environment and an 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 is through choice of challenge, of how they record, of participation in extra-curricular clubs and opportunities, pupils are given the freedom to make choices.
Mutual Respect
Accepting that we might not always agree with other people, but we show respect for their thoughts and feelings and expect other people to show us respect.
Part of our school ethos and behaviour policy revolves 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. Posters around the school promote respect for others and this is reiterated through our classroom and learning rules, as well as our behaviour policy.
Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs
Accepting that other people have their own faiths / beliefs / opinions, and that this is tolerated and not be the cause of discriminatory behaviour.
This is achieved through enhancing pupils 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.
