TEACHING BRITISH VALUES
Promoting British Values at Stenson Fields Primary Community School
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.”
The Government set out its definition of British values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy, and at Stenson Fields these values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways:
Democracy
We have a student council which meets regularly with the Deputy Headteacher to discuss issues raised in class council meetings. The council is genuinely able to effect change within the school. Every child on the student council is voted in by their class. The children on the council are elected by their peers, and represent the class views at the meeting.
In KS2 children are also selected to be members of the Learning Committee. They meet with the Headteacher each term to consider teaching and learning in each classroom, share ideas and effect improvement by reflecting on the good practice they have seen during learning walks.
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 and through assemblies. Pupils are taught from an early age the rules of the school. These are our CARES Rules, Playground Rules and Safety Rules. Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind rules and 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
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 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. Whether it be through choice of learning challenge, books, Continuous Provision, playground equipment, of how they record, of participation in our extra-curricular clubs and opportunities, pupils are given the freedom to make choices.
Mutual Respect
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. Our CARES Rules promote treating others with respect. This is also a key feature of our behaviour policy.
Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs
Stenson Fields is a diverse school. We actively promote diversity through our celebrations of different faiths and cultures. Religious Education lessons, PSHE lessons and assemblies reinforce messages of tolerance and respect for others. Members of different faiths and religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within the school. The children visit places of worship that are important to different faiths.