The Department for Education has published guidance on promoting fundamental British values in schools. At Ashleworth C of E Primary School, we see this as a duty to ensure that our children are prepared for a successful life as British Citizens.
At Ashleworth C of E Primary School we uphold and teach pupils about British Values which are defined as:
- Democracy
- Rule of Law
- Individual Liberty
- Mutual Respect
- Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs
These values are taught explicitly through Personal, Social, Health and Emotional (PSHE), and Religious Education (RE). We also teach British Values through planning and delivering a broad and balanced curriculum. Our termly values are also central to our approach.
The school takes opportunities to actively promote British Values through daily reflections and whole school systems and structures such as electing and running a successful School Council. We also actively promote British Values through ensuring that our curriculum planning and delivery includes real opportunities for exploring these values.
Democracy:
The school council is elected through a democratic process using class pupil votes. During these elections, pupils are provided with the opportunity to learn how to argue and defend their point of view. The school council gives every pupil a voice and the chance to be involved in a range of decision-making opportunities throughout the school.
Throughout the curriculum, children are given opportunities to debate their ideas and thoughts and to use voting when making class decisions. This supports pupils to understand how citizens can influence decision-making through the democratic process.
The Rule of Law:
The school rules are embedded into the values of the school. Pupils understand that the rules keep them safe and enable them to learn through a fair and consistent approach which ensures they successfully live and work together.
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 a variety of authorities help reinforce this message.
To encourage and promote good behaviour, attitude and work, we have devised a behaviour system which is consistently followed throughout the school. We are committed to praising children's efforts. We endeavour to praise the children informally, individually, during group work, in front of the whole class and school assemblies. Children are rewarded not only for achievement in curriculum areas, but also for behaviour and demonstration of values. Rewards are given in the form of stickers, table and house points and certificates. Children's achievements are also recognised during assemblies and highlighted in our special book.
Individual Liberty:
Through our curriculum, our PSHE lessons and through our assemblies, children are supported to understand their personal rights and freedoms. Pupils are actively encouraged to make choices at our school, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. Children are encouraged to raise ideas and to contribute to the life of the school.
Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised how to exercise these safely, for example through our E-Safety teaching and PHSE education.
Ashleworth C of E Primary School has a robust anti-bullying culture and has in place a comprehensive Behaviour Policy, which has at its heart the freedom for all students to learn and grow safely.
Mutual Respect:
Respect underpins all that we do at Ashleworth. It is truly embedded into the curriculum and the ethos of the schools. We insist that all pupils, teachers, non-teaching staff and visitors to our school are treated with dignity and respect. This is expressed by all demonstrating good manners and fostering positive and professional relationships. Pupils 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 courtesy and respect and these values underpin all teaching and learning and all relationships in our school.
Tolerance of Those of Different Faiths and Beliefs:
As Ashleworth C of E Primary School we are committed to ensuring that our children understand the cultures, faiths and beliefs of their friends, neighbours and the communities beyond our school.
We promote that all children visit a range of places of worship and learn about different religious beliefs in our religious education lessons and assemblies. Beliefs, traditions and customs are studied and celebrated, reinforcing a deep understanding of British tolerance and acceptance of all cultures. We have a rich programme of language teaching and Language Days are built into our school calendar.
At Ashleworth C of E Primary School, we will actively challenge pupils, staff or parents expressing opinions contrary to fundamental British Values, including 'extremist' views.