Promoting British Values
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 were reiterated in November 2014 in the DfE publication
‘Promoting fundamental British values as part of SMSC in schools’
At Duke Street Primary School, we promote these values in the following ways.
DEMOCRACY – Children have opportunities for their voices to be heard in school. At the start of the year they work together to write their class expectations. We have a school council with representatives from Y1-6 which are elected by class members. They meet regularly to discuss issues and improve the school. In 2014/15 they were instrumental in the development of the Ranglett’s recreational ground, adjacent to the school and this year are taking a leading role in the school’s drive to develop the school garden. The school council have visited the Town Hall and were invited to the Mayor’s parlour for the afternoon. House Captains are elected in Year 6. We have one boy and one girl to represent each house. The house captains are supported by vice house captains in Year 2.
THE RULE OF LAW – The importance of laws, either ones relating to the class, the school or the country are constantly reinforced through our day to day behaviour management system, assemblies and through activities in school. We have had visits from the police who have talked about their role in the community in upholding the law. Other visits from the Fire and Ambulance Service have also reinforce this message.
INDIVIDUAL LIBERTY – Within school, pupils are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing they are in a safe and supportive environment. As a school we help children learn to make choices sensibly. Pupils are encouraged to know and exercise their personal freedoms and rights in school and are given support in acquiring these skills through e safety and PHSE lessons.
MUTUAL RESPECT – As a nurturing school, mutual respect is at the foundation of our school values. Adults model respect and children learn that how they behave impacts on others. Our children are taught to respect each other for their differences and similarities. All members of the school community are asked to treat each other with respect at all times.
TOLERANCE OF THOSE OF DIFFERENT FAITHS AND BELIEFS – We ensure through PHSE and RE lessons that we actively promote diversity with the children. We will actively challenge any pupils, staff or parents expressing opinions contrary to fundamental British values, including extremist views.
