British Values
Promoting British Values
The government set out its definition of British values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy. At Steeple Bumpstead these values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways:
Democracy
Democracy is promoted and valued within the school. Pupils have the opportunity to have their voices heard through our School Council and Pupil questionnaires. The annual election of our School Councillors, founded on our national electoral system, is based solely on pupil votes. Children must be nominated, create a manifesto, make a speech and take part in a “first past the post” election. In addition our children meet with other Councillors from schools within theUnity Schools Partnership.
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 are taught the value and reasons behind laws that 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 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 the provision of a secure 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 PSHE lessons.
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 assemblies related to what this means and how it is shown. Posters around the school promote respect for others, and give examples of how we should behave towards each other. In addition we use PSHE curriculum displays around the school from different year groups to demonstrate outcomes for the children’s learning.
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 prejudices and prejudice-based bullying have been followed and supported by learning in RE and PSHE.