British Values

British Values at Warmsworth Primary School

As a school, we 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.

Through our provision for Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural Development we promote the Fundamental British Values and this demonstrates how we meet the requirements for section 78 of the Education Act 2002.

Through the provision of Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural Development and Religious Education we:

• enable our children to develop their self-knowledge, self-esteem and self-confidence;
• enable children to distinguish right from wrong and to respect the civil and criminal law of England;
• encourage children to accept responsibility for their behaviour, show initiative, and to understand how they can contribute positively to the lives of those living and working in the locality of the school and wider society;
• enable children to acquire a broad general knowledge of and respect for public institutions and services in England;
• further tolerance and harmony between different cultural traditions and enabling children to acquire an appreciation of and respect for their own and other cultures;
• encourage respect for other people;
• encourage respect for democracy and support for participation in the democratic process, including respect for the basis on which the law is made and applied in England.

British Values at Warmsworth Primary School PowerPoint

DEMOCRACY

Democracy is richly embedded within our school. Children, parents and staff have many opportunities for their voices to be heard. Democracy is central to how our school operates.

Our children are listened to and are taught to listen carefully to others. Children are taught to respect the right individuals to have their voices and opinions heard. They are taught to discuss issues in a balanced and calm way and make a meaningful contribution to the running of the school on matters that directly involve them. Children also have the opportunity to have their voices heard through pupil questionnaires and pupil surveys.

School Councillors are elected for the following committees:

• Enterprise Council
• Sports Council
• Eco Council
• Smile Ambassadors
• Reading Ambassadors

Our children learn about Democracy. The election of the school councillors reflects our British electoral system and demonstrates democracy in action. Each candidate delivers a speech to the class, class members consider characteristics important for an elected representative, members of the class then vote for whom they believe will deliver on the pledges using a ballot box.   Each council is made up of two representatives from each year group.  School councillors meet regularly, to discuss ideas put forward by their classes and how they can help to further improve their school.

The School Councils have their own budget and are able to effect change within the school; in the past, they have planned playground equipent and developed the school’s woodland and nature areas within the grounds.

Another example of ‘pupil voice’ is nominating the charities that will be supported over the academic year.

The principle of democracy is explored in the curriculum. The school behaviour and rewards policy involves rewards which pupils have discussed. 

Children are encouraged to take ownership of not only their school but also of their own learning and progress. This encourages a sense of personal and social responsibility and is demonstrated on a daily basis by our children.

RULE OF LAW

Children are taught from an early age the value and the reason behind rules and laws and therefore have the ability to recognise the difference between right and wrong, and to apply this understanding in their own lives and, in so doing, respect the civil and criminal law of England. As part of our calendar of events children receive visits from authorities; such as:

• local Police
• Fire service
• National Health Service

• Understand the consequences of their behaviour and actions by acceptance of responsibility for their behaviour;
• They understand how they can contribute positively to the lives of those living and working in the locality that the school is situated and to society in general;
• Have an interest in investigating and offering reasoned views about moral and ethical issues, and being able to understand and appreciate the viewpoints of others on these issues;
• Our children have a respect for other people, with particular regard to the protected characteristics set out in the Equality Act 2010;
• Encouraged to demonstrate fair sportsmanship, which in turns, helps them play fairly.

INDIVIDUAL LIBERTY

• Alongside rules and laws, we promote freedom of choice and the right to respectfully express views and beliefs. Through the provision of a safe, supportive environment and empowering education. We provide boundaries for our children to make choices safely; such as: 

• Choices around the participation in extended school activities
• Self-registration
• Independent snack choices
• Independent learning
• Plan, Learn, Review sessions in Early Years
• Peer monitoring
• Class monitors
• Playground Buddies 
• Children are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are taught how to exercise these safely, such as in our e-safety, assemblies and PSHCE
• As a school we celebrate the culturally rich and diverse society that makes up Britain; we provide children with the opportunities to learn from each other by sharing and celebrating their different faiths and cultures.   Members of different faiths or religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school.
• Through a range of activities offered we aim to enable our children to develop their:
• Self-knowledge
• Self-esteem
• Self-confidence

MUTUAL RESPECT AND TOLERANCE

Mutual respect is fundamental at Warmsworth Primary School. Children learn that their behaviours have an effect on their own rights and those of others. All members of the school community treat each other with respect.

Our school does not have great cultural diversity. However, we recognise our role in promoting and celebrating different backgrounds and beliefs. Mutual respect is at the heart of school life.

Our children know and understand that respect is shown to everyone, whatever differences we may have. Children learn that their behaviour choices have an effect on their own rights and those of others.

Through Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural Development and Religious Education lessons, our children learn about different religions that exist within British society and they compare the similarities and differences between them. Christianity, Judaism, Islam and Sikhism are all covered across the Foundation Stage, Key Stage 1 and 2. Children are aware that all these religions are practised in Britain and they learn about these, upholding respect for the beliefs of each religion.

In addition to intrinsic themes running throughout the ethos of the school, the above topics are also taught within specific units of work.   The Geography curriculum teachers that Britain is an island and that there are similarities and differences between British and that of European countries as well as further abroad. The children research and write about life in other countries as well as their own travel and holiday experiences.

Within History, the children in KS2, learn about life in Ancient civilisation as well as early British History (Stone Age, Romans, Vikings and Saxons). They learn about how these influences of history have shaped their own heritage and that of others.

School assemblies reflect current festivals and national awareness weeks which are taking place across Britain. Remembrance Day is honoured by the whole school in an assembly; children respect and recognise the loss of lives of those who fought in the war from countries all over the world.