The DfE have stated 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.’
Christ Church C of E Primary School is committed to serving the community of Stonegravels, its parish and surrounding areas. At Christ Church Primary School we recognise the multi-cultural, multi- faith and ever changing nature of the United Kingdom. We consider the British Values to be essential to our everyday lives so that the young people in our care grow up to be well-rounded, responsible, considerate and caring human beings. We promote them as part of our duty as educators to encourage free-thinking and reasoned decision making, whilst engendering tolerance and understanding amongst everyone in our school community. 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 Christ Church these values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways:
Democracy Pupils have the opportunity to have their voices heard through our active assemblies, regular pupil questionnaires and by being part of democratic decision making whenever appropriate within the curriculum. Our Ambassadors are democratically elected to lead important work for the school. All children have a voice that is heard; school is a fair and respectful place to learn.
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 each school day. Our behaviour policy is basen upon fair rules agreed with children in each class. 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 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, responsibilities and personal freedoms and advised how to exercise these safely, for example through our E-Safety and P.S.H.E. lessons. Our Learners’ Code provides an excellent framework through which pupils can assess their behaviours and attitudes towards ‘everyday school life’ and be shown role models within their class and key stage. The way in which Learners’ Code is managed allows certain pupils more individual privileges, and those that break our shared code, time to reflect on the impact of their action on their learning and that of their peers.
Mutual Respect Respect for one another is fundamental to our ethos as a Christian school. Teachers welcome children daily into the school by name which sets the positive tone of mutual respect throughout school, across the whole day. Peer-marking and evaluation of one others’ learning in relation to success criteria are all ways in which this is reinforced as part of everyday practice.
Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs At Christ Church Primary School, we place a great emphasis on promoting diversity with the children. Assemblies in both the infants and juniors 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 R.E., P.S.H.E., curriculum coverage and teaching reinforce this. Whenever appropriate, this is extended through partnership with different community groups and various places of worship.
At Christ Church C of E Primary School, there is a zero tolerance approach to inappropriate name calling or discriminatory behaviour of any kind. We will actively challenge pupils, parents, governors or staff who express opinions contrary to fundamental British Values, including ‘extremist’ or discriminatory views. Should you feel the school is not meeting this requirement, you should contact the school office and request to express your concerns to the Head Teacher.
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