British Values
Promoting British Values
The DfE have 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.”
Citizens of the UK are encouraged to:
- Respect and obey the law
- Respect the rights of others, including their right to their own opinions
- Treat others with fairness
- Look after yourself and your family
- Look after the area in which you live and the environment
At Padbury CE School we believe our Christian vision and associated values, along with our enriching curriculum and extra-curricular activities, fully supports these fundamental British Values.
We are committed to promoting these in the following ways:
Democracy:
Democracy is rife within our school. Pupil voice, as well as parent/carer voice, plays a central part in developing school improvement priorities. Pupils have the opportunity to have their voices heard through our School Council and Pupil questionnaires.
The school is clear in demonstrating how pupils should contribute and co-operate and consider the views and needs of others. The School Council meets regularly and takes part in decision making on a range of topics. These topics are then discussed at the council meetings that allow children to once again voice their views and opinions.
The Rule of Law:
All staff members have high expectations of the children in our school. The importance of laws and rules are consistently reinforced in the classroom, as well as through school assemblies. Pupils are taught to understand the need for laws - that they are there for individual protection, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken. Pupils follow a positive behaviour policy and clearly understand the rewards and sanctions that are used. Assemblies and discussions in class focus on recognising right from wrong and visits from the Police and Fire Service help to reinforce these messages. The children in Key Stage Two discuss many moral issues throughout their PSHE lessons and Key Stage Assemblies and this enables them to develop their understanding of the rules of the law.
Individual Liberty:
Pupils are encouraged to be independent learners, constantly making choices, within a safe and supportive environment. Developing their self- esteem and self-confidence is very important. Pupils are encouraged to understand their personal freedoms and are taught how to use these rights to best effect. All pupils are keen to support charities, whether local, national or global. They are taught consideration for others through our PSHE and RE curriculum.
E-safety lessons enable the children to make digital choices in a safe manner.
Mutual Respect:
At Padbury CE School our Christian values of respect, love and fellowship permeate all areas of school life. This engenders a climate within which pupils feel safe and secure and enables them to ‘be the best they can be’. All staff demonstrate respect to everyone with whom they come into contact. They consistently model and promote the behaviours and attitudes that are the foundation of positive relationships. The strong school ethos encourages everyone to consider and support each other and to celebrate the worth and individuality of every member of the school community. Discussions in class and during whole school assemblies as well as issues that are promoted during collective worship, allow the children to show respect to all other individuals.
Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs:
As a Christian community, pupils are reminded of their place in a culturally diverse society. This is achieved through our Religious Education curriculum and the spiritual life of the school. Assemblies and class work promote the diversity of society and the right for each person to be respected and valued equally regardless of ability, gender, faith, heritage or race. Members of different faiths, religions and cultures are invited to school to share their knowledge and enhance learning within assemblies and in class. We use our Geography Curriculum, theme days and other opportunities such as the Olympics/World cup to study other cultures.
Challenging Prejudice
One of the ways we challenge prejudice in our school is to ask thought provoking questions which challenge our thinking and ideas. The questions aim to challenge a range of possible prejudices and are linked to topics the classes are studying. Below are some examples of the questions we ask but these may change as the topics change and as situations which need challenging arise.