The DfE have recently underline 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”
The Government set out its definition of British Values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy and these values have been reiterated this year (2014).
Our schools actively promote British Values through daily collective worship and whole school systems and structures such as our Positive Behaviour Policy and Christian Ethos Values. We also actively promote British values through ensuring that our curriculum planning and delivery includes real opportunities for exploring these values. This gives pupils opportunities to develop and demonstrate skills and attitudes that will allow them to participate fully in and contribute positively to life in modern Britain.
Across the Oaks CE Learning Federation, these values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways:
Democracy:
Democracy is embedded within our schools. Pupils are listened to by adults and are taught to listen carefully with concern to each other, respecting the right of every pupil to have their opinions and voice heard. Each year the pupils decide upon their class charter and the rights associated with these. All the pupils contribute to the drawing up of the charter.
Pupils have the opportunity to have their voices heard through Philosophy for Children, Collective Worship and PSHE.
Our Federation is founded on our Christian Ethos Values and each half term we have a new focus, eg friendship, responsibility. Children and adults recognise and celebrate examples of these values in action.
The Rule of Law:
From entry to school pupils are continually taught to recognise the difference between right and wrong and this, alongside their developing maturity, helps them to apply their understanding of these concepts in their daily lives.
We consistently reinforce our high expectations of children. Children are taught the value and reasons behind our expectations (rules) that they are there to protect us, that everyone has a responsibility and that there are consequences when rules are broken.
Individual Liberty:
At our schools, 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 pupils to make informed choices, through 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 PSHE and P4C.
Our behaviour policy encourages pupils to reflect on their choices and the effect they have on both their peers and adults. They are given opportunities to resolve conflicts effectively and fairly.
Mutual Respect:
Our whole school ethos is built around mutual respect and we believe that respect for others is a vital component of moral development. We are an inclusive school where everyone is valued and has a contribution to make to the school. Children learn that their behaviours have an effect on their own rights and those of others.
We encourage open discussions in all areas but particularly in lessons which promote citizenship such as P4C and Circletime. Staff help children to understand how to respect by talking about how actions/words can affect others.
We actively support all to develop their own reasoned views about moral and ethical issues.
Tolerance of Those of Different Faiths and Beliefs:
Collective Worship is planned to give children opportunity to reflect of a variety of beliefs, cultures and moral values. Our curriculum incorporates teaching and learning opportunities for children to explore aspects of the wider world and an appreciation of cultural . The RE curriculum is also carefully planned to equip children with the knowledge which will enable them to understand the diverse nature of peoples beliefs. We help them to understand, accept, respect and celebrate diversity.