The Department for Education state that there is a 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 were reiterated by the Prime Minister in 2014. At Rougham Primary School these values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways.
Our pupils were fully involved in the creation of our ‘school Rules in September 2014. These are reinforced and discussed regularly.
Each half term, throughout our daily assemblies we focus on a new theme from our Values For Life. e.g. Courage, Creativity, Peace, Trust, Forgiveness, Truthfulness, Humility Justice, Thankfulness, Compassion, Friendship, Hope, Generosity, Respect and Reverence, Wisdom, Perseverance, Service, Responsibility. Our plans for collective worship raise awareness of each aspect of the value. Bible stories that are relevant to the theme are read/told/ acted out, stories from world faiths which illustrate the value and for the younger children in particular, children’s texts which reinforce the value. A range of questions are asked throughout to help the children reflect on each value.
Each curriculum area also contributes to the development of values. Our long term plans specifically identify where British values will be promoted. Learning Walks for behaviour are conducted regularly. School Council and Eco Council meetings with representatives from each class are held half-termly. The minutes from these meetings are recorded and displayed.
Democracy
Democracy is embedded at the school. Pupils are always listened to by adults and are taught to listen carefully and with compassion, to each other, respecting the right of every individual to have their opinions and voices heard. Pupils also have the opportunity to air their opinions and ideas through our School Council and regular questionnaires are carried out by members of the Governing Body to find out how children are feeling about life at school in general. The elections of the School Council members and House Captains are based on pupil votes, reflecting our British electoral system and demonstrating democracy in action.
The impact of this is that children are able to work collaboratively in pairs or groups as well as in whole class situations. They understand about turn taking and respecting the values of others. Children are able to use respectful language when discussing or debating.
The Rule of Law
The importance of laws whether they are those that govern the class, the school or the country, are consistently reinforced. Each class in our school discusses and sets its own class code that are clearly understood by all and are deeply embedded in our work every day and seen to be necessary to ensure that every class member is able to learn in a safe and ordered environment. Our pupils are taught the value and reasons behind laws, that they govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when rules and laws are broken and enables them to understand right from wrong.
The impact of this is that children are able to understand why it is important to have rules are demonstrate that they understand and can abide by these.
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 our pupils to make choices safely, through the provision of a safe environment and an empowering education. Our pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised how to exercise these safely; examples of this can be clearly seen in our e-safety and P.S.H.E. lessons. Whether it is through choice of challenge; of how they record; of participation in extra- curricular activities; our pupils are given the freedom to make choices.
The impact of this is the children understand about the importance of accepting responsibility and of their right to be heard in school. They are consulted on many aspects of school life and demonstrate independence of thought and action.
Mutual Respect
Respect is one of the core values of our school and underpins our work every day both in and out of the classroom. The pupils know and understand that it is expected and imperative that respect is shown to everyone, whatever differences we may have and to everything, however big or small. We show our respect for the armed forces and the service they give our country. We visit the church war memorial for our Remembrance Day Service and discuss the work of the armed forces during assemblies and topic work.
The impact of this is that children understand and can talk about why respect is important. They know how to treat others with respect.
Tolerance of Those With Different Faiths And Beliefs
Our core value of Respect ensures tolerance of those who have different faiths and beliefs. Rougham School enhances pupils understanding of different faiths and beliefs through religious education studies; P.S.H.E. work; invites in visitors to participate in celebrations such as Diwali; and other religious celebrations. Visitors are invited in to our school to enrich and extend understanding. Through this our pupils gain an enhanced understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society, exercise these safely; examples of this can be clearly seen in our e-safety and P.S.H.E. lessons. Whether it is through choice of challenge; of how they record; of participation in extra- curricular activities; our pupils are given the freedom to make choices.
The impact of this is that Children’s behaviour demonstrates their good understanding of this value in action. Children are able to talk about the different faiths and cultures they learn about, ask questions and show understanding and respect for people from other faiths and cultures.