The Department of Education has recently reinforced that all schools are required to ensure that key ‘British Values’ are taught to pupils. The Government set out its definition of British values in the ‘Prevent Strategy.’ These values are democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs. At Sir Alexander Fleming Nursery and Primary school, these values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways:
Democracy: Children have the opportunity to have their voices heard through our active School Council and through regular pupil questionnaires. The elections of school council members for each class are based solely on pupil choice. Other opportunities include visits from local Members of Parliament.
The Rule Of Law: Throughout the school day, the importance of laws, are consistently reinforced. These may, for example, be using our behaviour curriculum to deal with behaviour or as part of an assembly theme. Our children are taught the value and reasons behind laws that govern and protect us, the responsibility that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken.
Individual Liberty: When in school, our pupils are encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. We encourage our children to know, understand and exercise their rights as children and when they enter adulthood.
Mutual Respect: Our school ethos, Behaviour Policy and Behaviour Curriculum revolves around our core values such as ‘respect’ and children have been part of discussions and assemblies related to what this means and how it is shown.
Tolerance of those of Different Faiths & Beliefs: This is achieved through enhancing our children’s understanding of their place in a culturally diverse country and by giving them opportunities to experience such diversity such as through assemblies and visits to places of worship. Pupils and their families of different faiths or religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school. However, we have chosen to call this ‘Accept and celebrate different faiths and beliefs’.
Here are some of the ways we embed British Values into our curriculum, school environment and culture: