Promoting 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.”
At Kennet Valley Primary School, we integrate British Values with our curriculum and our everyday life in school. We have worked as a School Council to try and demonstrate where we already learn about and do these things. We have also added our suggestions about what more we could do or learn. Most of the ‘We Say’ quotes are from members of the School Council, but we made sure we asked other children too.
The government set out its definition of British values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy, and these values have been reiterated by the Prime Minister. At Kennet Valley Primary School these values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways:
Democracy:
Democracy is part of our everyday life within the school. Pupils have the opportunity to have their voices heard through Class Councils and Class Council representatives on the School Council. In addition to this we regularly survey our pupils and ask them to share their opinions and thoughts. Through pupil voice we have improved many aspects of our school. Children are always able to voice their opinions and we foster an environment where children are safe to disagree with each other.
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 laws; that they govern and protect us - the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken. Visits from authorities such as local PCSO’s, Police; Fire Service; etc. 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. Choices are taught alongside rights and responsibilities. As a school we educate and provide boundaries for young pupils to make choices safely; through the provision of a safe environment and 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.
Mutual Respect:
Our school ethos and behaviour policy revolves around our key value of ‘Respect’. Pupils have been part of discussions and assemblies related to what this means and how it is shown. The school promotes respect for others and this is reiterated through our classroom and learning rules, as well as our behaviour policy. The word respect and all it encompasses is reiterated at every opportunity.
Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs:
At Kennet Valley we are fortunate enough to have a large mix of cultures, races and languages. Tolerance 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 as are trips to a variety of religious institution and participating in culturally diverse activities.