British Values
“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 Department for Education defines British Values as follows:
- Respect for democracy and support or participation in the democratic process
- Respect for the basis on which the law is made and applies in England
- Support for equality of opportunity for all
- Support and respect for the liberties of all within the law
- Respect for and tolerance of different faiths and religious and other beliefs
At Monksdown Primary School, we value the diverse ethnic backgrounds of all pupils and families and we teach tolerance and respect for the differences in our community and the wider world. Underpinning all of this, are a range of curriculum topics which have strong links to Britain, both past and present. Our school promotes and believes in the British characteristics of Tolerance, Respect, Fair Play and Good Community Spirit.
We aim to nurture our children on their journey through life so they can grow into safe, caring, democratic, responsible and tolerant citizens who make a positive difference to British society and to the world. We encourage our children to be creative, unique, open-minded and independent individuals, respectful of themselves and of others in our school, our local community and the wider world.
At Monksdown, we actively promote British values in the following ways:
Democracy
We have a democratically elected School Council who make a meaningful contribution to the running of the school on matters that directly involve pupils, their recommendations are shared with the school community and if possible acted upon.
All children are given opportunities to develop enquiring minds in an atmosphere where questions are valued. Pupils are frequently encouraged to debate topics of interest and express their views Children also have the opportunity to have their voices heard through pupil questionnaires, surveys and interviews.
The principle of democracy is explored in the curriculum as well as during assemblies and special days. Mr Stephen Twigg MP is a regular visitor to our school, explaining to our pupils his role as an MP and his work in the House of Commons.
Our school behaviour policy involves rewards and sanctions which the pupils have discussed and agreed.
Rule of Law
At the start of the year pupils are encouraged to collaborate with their teacher and peers to create classroom rules and codes of behaviour.
School rules and expectations are clear, fair and regularly promoted, they are integral to our learning and ethos every day.
Pupils are always helped to distinguish right from wrong in the classroom, during assemblies and on the playground.
Pupils are encouraged to respect the law and we enjoy visits from authorities such as the Police, Fire Service, Ambulance, etc. to help reinforce this message. Robby the Bobby is based in our school and enjoys working with the pupils and the parents developing their understanding of the Law.The Behaviour and Anti-Bullying policies set out a zero tolerance
baseline for any form of aggression, abuse or violence, which extends to pupils, staff and parents and carers.
Individual Liberty
Within school, pupils are actively encouraged, and given the freedom to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. Pupils are encouraged to reflect on their differences and understand we are free to have different opinions.
Pupils are supported to develop their self-knowledge, self-esteem and self-confidence.
Pupils are encouraged to take responsibility for their behaviour and our school ethos reinforces the importance of making the right choices
Pupils are encouraged to know and understand their rights and personal freedoms and are advised how to exercise these safely, e.g. through our e-safety teaching and PSHE lessons
Vulnerable pupils are protected. A strong anti-bullying culture is embedded in the school and any form of bullying is challenged and addressed. The school governing body has taken an active role in this and the results of a whole-school pupil survey were shared with the school community. The school also operates a robust system of logging incidents.
Pupils have key roles and responsibilities in school- monitors, councillors, playground Buddies, etc.
Mutual Respect and Tolerance of Those with Different Faiths and Beliefs
Respect is one of the core values of our school. The pupils know and understand that it is expected to show respect to everyone, adults and children, we believe that we must all treat
others as we want to be treated, Pupils are helped to acquire an understanding of, and respect for, their own and other people’s opinions, cultures and ways of life.
Staff and pupils are expected to challenge prejudicial or discriminatory behaviour.
We offer a culturally rich and diverse curriculum in which all major religions are studied and respected. Links and visits are promoted with local faith communities and places of worship.
Through our assemblies and curriculum, (including PSHCE and RE), pupils are encouraged to discuss and respect differences between people, such as those of faith, ethnicity, disability, gender or sexuality and differences of family situations.
Assemblies and discussions involving prejudices and prejudiced-based bullying are delivered should any issues arise.
Our creative Geography/History topics, such as Ancient Civilisations, Travel/ Holidays, the Word Cup, Olympics etc offer children the chance to reflect on our own core values and British values.