The Department for Education has 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 Brading school these values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways:
Democracy:
Pupils have the opportunity to have their voices heard through our School Council and Pupil questionnaires. The elections of the members of our School Council are based on pupil votes.
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 rules, as well as when dealing with behaviour and through school Collective Worship. Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind laws, that they govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involved and the consequences when laws are broken. The School actively seek out visitors who will support and help reinforce this message.
Individual Liberty:
Within schools, 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 our pupils to make choices safely, through our provision of a safe environment and education to encourage independence and the ability to work with others. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights within a safe manner. We encourage individual choices through challenge, the ability to know how to record in an appropriate manner and by choosing which extracurricular clubs to attend.
Mutual Respect:
Our whole school curriculum, ethos and behaviour policy are underpinned by our Christian Values of trust, truth, respect, unity, sincerity and tolerance. Pupils understand these values and can relate how they are reflected in their everyday life and in that of others. Every classroom displays these values.
Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs:
This is achieved through providing our pupils with the chance to understand that they are a small part of a culturally diverse society and within a world that is growing even ‘smaller’. We seek to provide our pupils with every opportunity to understand and respect such diversity.
Brading Church Of England Controlled Primary School
A Team That Trust Each Other
