It is an expectation of schools “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 2015 Prevent Strategy. At Weston Favell CE Primary School these values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways:
Democracy: Democracy is apparent throughout school. Pupils have the opportunity to have their voices heard through our School Council, Eco Council and Worship Ambassadors. These opportunties not only promotes democratic processes, fostering the concept and application of freedom of speech and group action to address needs and concerns. Key to this is the concept of holding others to account, including those in positions of authority and influence. Our school behaviour policy is applied consistently across the school and our Values are firmly embedded. Play leaders are employed over lunchtimes and playtimes to promote collaborative working practices, giving the children a sense of authority and independence.
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 collective worship. 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. Promotion of ‘fair play’, following and developing rules, inclusion, celebrating and rewarding success, being magnanimous in defeat and participation in activities that promote kinship and affiliation with others. Visits from authorities such as the police and magistrates are part 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. 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. Whether it be through choice of challenge, of how learning is recorded, 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 our values and pupils have been part of discussions and worships related to what this means and how it is shown. This is reiterated through our daily learning routines and children are rewarded for demonstrating the school values. Children and adults alike, including visitors, are challenged if they are disrespectful in any way. Values are highly visible around the school, and are an important part of our celebration assembly. Our behaviour policy is applied consistently by all staff and is firmly embedded across the school.
Understanding Different Faiths and Beliefs: This is achieved through enhancing pupils’ understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society and by giving them opportunities to experience such diversity. Worships and discussions involving prejudices and prejudice-based bullying have been followed and supported by learning in RE and PSHE. Our celebration of different festivals and visitors from different faiths ensures our children are aware of other cultures within our society, other than their own. Likewise, we use emerging news articles to learn about different events around the world as and when they occur.
