It is our values that determine our behaviour and thinking. At Hanslope Primary School, British Values underpin the expectations that we have towards one another and how we as teachers, deliver the curriculum. 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 the law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.” The government set out the definition of British Values in 2011 through the Prevent Strategy and these values have been continually reiterated in government.
Democracy
The School Council works hard to represent the voice of our children and meets regularly. Throughout the year, staff complete ‘Pupil Voice’ questionnaires with the pupils to ask for feedback about targeted areas. Our school Behaviour Policy includes rewards and sanctions to support the children. School assemblies are based on the education of key values.
The Rule of the law
Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind laws. The importance of laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced throughout school days as well as when dealing with behaviour and through school collective worship time. The children are supported to understand that they govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and that there are consequences when laws are broken.
Individual Liberty
As a school, we provide boundaries and educate young pupils to make choices safely. This is through the provision of a safe environment and empowering education. Knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment within school, pupils are actively encouraged to make choices. Pupils are also encouraged to exercise their liberty safely, for example through E-Safety lessons and PSHE. Examples of this are through choice of challenges in class, regular choice of how they record their work, participation in our extra-curricular opportunities and clubs. These are all age related experiences e.g. Year 5 being playground ambassadors to support friendships.
Mutual Respect
Each month, we base assemblies on a different value such as ‘Respect.’ Pupils are part of discussions and they find out exactly what each value means and how it is shown to one another. Respect is one of our values taught explicitly within collective worship and lessons. This is also reflected in our work with our partnership schools such as Castlethorpe First School and The Radcliffe. Adults around the school promote respect for others as do the children who have suitable, age related, tasks and responsibilities. Mutual Respect is also promoted through our school Golden Rules, as well as through our Behaviour Policy and Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural Development. We further develop respect through visits, trips and opportunities for children to learn more about other cultures, creeds and faiths, not just in this country but around the world.
Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs.
In today’s society, we endeavour to enhance pupils’ understanding of their place in a culturally diverse world. With a view to expand the understanding, knowledge and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs, the school encourages discussions about how to deal with prejudice and prejudice-based bullying. This area of learning is also supported in RE and PSHE lessons. Members of different faiths or religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school.
British Values