British Values
As directed by the Department for Education, schools have a duty to actively 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. These values were first set out by the government in the ‘Prevent’ strategy in 2011. In November 2014, schools were required to have a strategy for embedding these values and showing how their work with pupils has been effective in doing so.
At Marton-cum-Grafton Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School we uphold and teach pupils about British Values which are defined as:
• Democracy
• Rule of law
• Individual liberty mutual respect
• Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs
These values are taught explicitly through Personal, Social, Health and Emotional (PSHE), and Religious Education (RE). We also teach British Values through our school values of kindness, courage and respect and by planning and delivering a broad and balanced curriculum.
We have achieved the following external accreditations which demonstrate evidence of our commitment to British Values:
• Ofsted grade of ‘Outstanding’ (October 2014)
• School Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools (SIAMS) grade of ‘Good’ (December 2019)
The school takes opportunities to actively promote British Values through daily collective worship and whole school systems and structures such as electing and running successful pupil ambassadors. We also actively promote British Values through ensuring that our curriculum planning and delivery includes real opportunities for exploring these values.
Democracy:
Democracy is an important value at our school. Pupils have the opportunity to have their voices heard through our pupil ambassadors, pupil run extra curricular activities and pupil voice sessions . The elections of members of the pupil ambassadors are based on pupil votes. This supports pupils to understand how citizens can influence decision-making through the democratic process. Our pupils are able to genuinely effect change within the school.
The Rule of Law:
The importance of laws and rules, whether they are 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.
Children are involved in setting individual class rules every year, to run alongside the school rules. Following any behavioural issues, children are asked to identify which school rule they did not follow to ensure that this connection is made and understood. 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, fire service etc. are regular parts of our calendar and help reinforce this message.
To encourage and promote good behaviour, attitude and work, we have devised a reward system which is consistently followed throughout the school. We are committed to praising children’s efforts. We endeavour to praise the children informally, individually, during group work, in front of the whole class and the whole school. Children are rewarded not only for achievement in curriculum areas, but also for behaviour and demonstration of Christian Values. We prioritise intrinsic motivation as we aim for all of our pupils to be proud of their achievements. Further rewards are given in the form of stickers, dojo points and certificates. Children’s achievements are also recognised during Collective Worship.
The school aims to provide an appreciation that living under the rule of law protects pupils and is essential for their safety and well-being. Visits from authorities such as the Police and Fire Service help reinforce this message.
Individual Liberty:
Pupils are actively encouraged to make choices at our school, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. As a school we provide boundaries for our children to make choices safely, through the provision of a safe environment and planned curriculum.
Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised how to exercise these safely, for example through our e-Safety teaching and PHSE education.
Pupils are given the freedom to make choices, e.g. signing up for extra-curricular clubs. EYFS pupils are given the freedom to self-select their learning activities - 'choosing time'. All pupils are encouraged to make personal choices about the food they eat.
Mutual Respect:
Part of our school ethos and behaviour policy are based around core Christian Values such as ‘respect’ and ‘responsibility’ and these values determine how we live as a community at Marton cum Grafton Church of England Primary School. Collective Worship is based on ‘Christian Values’ which are central to how we expect everyone to go about their life at our school. Children learn that their behaviours have an effect on their own rights and those of others.
Tolerance of Those of Different Faiths and Beliefs:
This is achieved through enhancing pupils’ understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society and by giving them opportunities to experience such diversity in our local community which is by large white British.
Collective Worship and discussions involving prejudices and prejudice-based bullying have been followed and supported by learning in RE and PSHE. We use opportunities such as the Olympics and the World Cup to study and learn about life and culture in countries such as Brazil.