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 have been reiterated in 2014.
At Pikemere these values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways:
Democracy
- Children are involved in Democratic processes e.g. voting for school councillors and shared rewards.
- As a polling station we take the opportunity to explain to the children the purpose and process of voting and then they get the chance to have a go!
- The school council executive committee apply for their roles and are interviewed by the children from the previous year.
- The school council is led by a member of staff who adhere to democratic processes.
- We have links to the local PCSOs who come into school to educate the children about upholding British law and the prosecution service.
The Rule of Law
- We have links with the local police through the PCSO programme.
- We have a clearly structured behaviour policy which all stakeholders understand and follow.
- We regularly review behaviour incidents in school and share these with key stakeholders.
- Assemblies are delivered with a focus on the law e.g. Safety Awareness and E-safety.
Individual Liberty
- Children have key roles and responsibilities in school, such as children in Key Stage 2 who take on the roles of Sports Ambassadors, E Safety Representatives, Eco Team and Playground leaders.
- Within school, children are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment.
- Through our extra curricular activities children are given the freedom to make choices.
- Our curriculum, in particular SEAL, KiVa and PSHE, encourage to consider freedom of choice.
Mutual Respect
- Our SEAL, KiVa and PSHE curriculum focusing on values of mutual respect through units of learning such as relationships and being a responsible citizen.
- Respect is embedded within our whole school Golden Rules which children and staff devised together.
Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs
- Our R.E curriculum provides a broad and balanced education on a range of faiths, religions and cultures.
- We have stakeholders who have close links with people from other countries and visitors from other faiths who share their language and culture with our pupils.
- We have gained the International Award and have links with schools overseas.
- We regularly celebrate Festivals and Celebrations of a range of faiths during assembly and curriculum time.
