Preparation for life in Modern Britain

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 this year (2014). Schools  are also obligated under section 78 of the Education Act (2002), as part of a broad and balanced curriculum, to promote the spiritual, moral, cultural, mental and physical development of pupils at the school and of society.

At Bearwood Primary and Nursery school we seek to teach and nurture our pupil’s so that they become well rounded citizens who recognise the importance of making a positive contribution to their school, community and the world around them.

Children have many opportunities for their voices to be heard.

Examples of promoting ‘Democracy’ in school

• Each class hold annual elections (where pupils give speeches and presentations) for ‘ Pupil voice’ representatives on the school council
• Creation and development of the class charters
• Representatives for school sports and talent events are selected democratically
• House captains chosen through an election process
• Key stage 2 assemblies promoting democracy through debates
• Election of house captains and sports ambassadors

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 the Police and Fire Service help reinforce the message.

Examples of promoting ‘The Rule of Law’ in school

• Team building across the year group following and respecting rules
• Reinforcement of school values and school ethos through whole school assemblies
• Playground charter devised by the pupils
• Visits by the school council to the local council chamber and Houses of Parliament

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 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 E-Safety and our ‘Jigsaw’ scheme for PSHE. Whether it be through choice of learning challenge, of how they record, of participation in our numerous extra-curricular clubs and opportunities, pupils are given the freedom to make choices.

Examples of promoting ‘Individual Liberty, Respect and Tolerance for these of Different Faiths’

• All year groups through RE lessons
• Within school, pupils are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in safe and supportive environment
• Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised how to exercise these safely, for example through E-Safety and PSHE lessons
• Class charters,  School Values and Ethos actively promote respecting others and tolerance of differences
• Children actively celebrate their different religions by presenting power points in assemblies to share their differing culture and beliefs

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.

Examples of promoting ‘Respect for other people’  in school

• PE lessons – teach children how to be inclusive
• The core value of respect is actively promoted and modelled by all staff and forms the basis for our relationships policy
• All children have equal opportunities to take part in all school activities

Bearwood Primary and Nursery School is situated in an area where nearly all pupils are from a white British background, 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 reinforces this. Members of different faiths or religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school.

At Bearwood Primary and Nursery School we will actively challenge pupils, staff or parents expressing opinions contrary to fundamental British Values, including ‘extremist’ views.

Each week we have a whole school celebration assembly that promotes our core value of respect and outstanding learning. In addition, we have weekly assembly ‘themes’ and a base assembly. These themes are explored in bases and individual classes.