Alsager Highfields Promoting British Values
Promoting British Values at Alsager Highfields
The DfE have 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.”
At Alsager Highfields Primary School, these fundamental British values are promoted and embedded into all parts of school life. We want children to become responsible, respectful and active citizens who are well prepared for life in modern Britain and the wider world. Our British Values policy reflects these values, ensuring that all members of our school understand the importance of them and how they are essential to enable us to operate as a community.
Through our school values of determination, aspiration, respect and kindness we aim to reflect the commitment to helping pupils develop the knowledge, confidence and values they need to contribute positively to their communities.
These values are not taught as discrete, one-off topics. Instead they are woven throughout our curriculum, discussed in assemblies, through the relationships pupils develop, pupil leadership opportunities, through safeguarding work and the everyday life of school.
Democracy:
Democracy is well represented within the school. Pupils have the opportunity to have their voices heard through our School Council and pupil questionnaires. The elections of School Council and Junior Safeguarding Team reinforce the children's understanding of democracy. Links with the Houses of Parliament are sought throughout the year for online tours and meetings, and the children thoroughly enjoy a visit whilst on the Year 6 residential to London.
Through our use of the restorative justice approach, children understand that they have a right to be heard.
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 days, as well as when dealing with behaviour and through school assemblies. Pupils understand the school rules, our 5 non-negotiaables and the expectations that exist. 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.
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 of 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 our E-Safety and Learning for Life within our PSHE and RSE lessons, which includes that of healthy relationships. Whether it be through choice of challenge, of how they record, of participation in our numerous extra-curricular clubs and opportunities, pupils are given the freedom to make choices. Pupils also learn to respect the rights of others.
Mutual Respect:
Part of our school ethos and behaviour policy has revolved around core values such as ‘Respect’ and pupils have been part of discussions and termly assemblies related to what this means and how it is shown. Posters around the school promote respect for others and this is reiterated through our classroom and learning rules, as well as our behaviour policy. Our use of the restorative justice approach builds an understanding of the need for respectful behaviour towards all members of our school. Pupils are expected to treat each other with respect, being kind and fair. This is reinforced through positive relatonships between pupils and adults, through OPAL play and mixed-age interaction, through pupil leadership and buddy roles, through PSHE, RSE and assemblies and through the way in which staff model respectful discussions.
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. Assemblies and discussions involving our school ethos have been followed and supported by learning in RE and PSHE. Members of different faiths or religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school. Issues of intolerance are dealt with immediately both individually and through whole class discussions.
British Values across the Curriculum
Fundamental British Values are developed throughout our curriculum from EYFS to Year 6.
Pupils learn about
- belonging, fairness and community
- rules, responsibilities and decsion making
- democracy and government
- rights and freedoms
- different faiths, beliefs and cultures
- equality and discrimination
- respectful relationships
Pupil Voice and Active Citizenship
Our pupils not only learn about citizenship, but also experience it as they have opportunities to:
- represent others through school leadership roles
- contribute ideas about school life
- take responsibility within the school community
- participate in community activities
- discuss issues that matter to them
- learn how individuals and groups can bring about positive change
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Our commitment to promoting British Values goes hand in hand with our focus on equality, inclusion and safeguarding.
We teach children to respect others adn to recognise that discrimination or prejudice - wether based on disability, race, religion or belief, sex, or any other protected characteristic - is never acceptable. Pupils are encouraged to question stereotypes, listen to different viewpoints and treat everyone with fairness and respect.
Challenging Views Contrary to British Values.
At Alsager Highfields we challenge any language, behaviour or views that undermine Fundamental British Values or promote prejudice, discrimination, or extremism. At the same time we recognise how important it is for pupils to encounter different viewpoints adn to learn how to discuss potentially controversial issues in a way that is appropraite, respectful and impartial.
You can read the Department for Education guidance here:
Promoting Fundamental British Values through SMSC