The DfE have recently 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.”
The government set out its definition of British values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy, and these values have been reiterated by the Prime Minister this year.
At Ebchester CE Primary School we strongly believe in upholding British values through all aspects of our school provision.
Democracy
- Ebchester CE Primary School is a UNICEF Rights Respecting school. Each year the children decide upon a school and class charter and the rights associated with these. All the children contribute to the drawing up of both charters.
- Children have many opportunities for their voices to be heard. WE facilitate a democratic process for electing school councillors and the running of the council. The school council meets regularly to discuss issues raised in class council meetings.
- We teach about the democratic process in Britain, at both local and national level. Our pupils find out about communities and pressure groups, how they can participate in these and make changes to life at all levels from local to global.
- Children have an annual questionnaire with which they are able to put forward their views about the school.
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 have an opportunity to find out about the process of law-making and the part citizens can play in the process,
- 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 the Police and Fire Service help reinforce this message.
Individual Liberty
- As an Investing in Children school, pupils are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment.
- Following our RE curriculum which reinforces the values of understanding, tolerance, respect for others, including those of other faiths.
- Directing part of our Pupil Premium funding to ensure that pupils from less advantaged families have similar opportunities to their more advantaged peers to engage in school life.
- As a school we educate and provide boundaries for young pupils to make choices safely, through 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.
- We provide extra- curricular provision, which offers equal opportunities for boys and girls in other areas.
Mutual Respect
- As a Rights Respecting School, mutual respect is at the heart of our values. Children learn that their behaviours have an effect on their own rights and those of others. All members of the school community treat each other with respect.
Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs
- Ebchester is situated in an area which is not greatly culturally diverse; therefore we place a great emphasis on promoting diversity with the children. Assemblies are regularly planned to address this issue either directly or through the inclusion of stories and celebrations from a variety of faiths and cultures. Our RE and PSHE teaching reinforce this.
- Members of different faiths or religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school.
- Children visit places of worship that are important to different faiths.
