Promoting British Values at Elliston Primary Academy.
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.”
The government set out its definition of British values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy, and these values have been reiterated by the Prime Minister. In our school these values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways:
Democracy:
We listen to child and parent voice. Children and parents are regularly consulted regarding aspects of our school. Our Pupil Council team are appointed by vote and recommendation and they make suggestions, walk the school and share ideas on behalf of all children (including; the re-design of the Year 6 common room, use of learning equipment to support learning and have worked co-operatively with children from other primary schools.) They regularly lead assemblies. Our school behaviour policy is clear that children are expected to contribute and co-operate, taking into account the views of others.
The Rule of Law:
We consistently reinforce our high expectations of children. We have whole school ‘Diamond Rules’ and classes may set their own class rules. They are taught the value and reasons behind our expectations that they are there to protect us, that everyone has a responsibility and that there are consequences when rules are broken.
Individual Liberty:
Within school, pupils are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe, caring and supportive environment. From our youngest pupils we encourage our children to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and advise how to exercise these safely, for example through our E-Safety and SMSC lessons. Whether it be through choice of challenge, plan do and review, how they record work, selection of lunches or participation in our developing extra-curricular clubs- pupils are given the freedom to make choices.
Mutual Respect:
Our school ethos and behaviour policy stems from Core Values such as ‘Respect’ and ‘Teamwork’, and children are encouraged in this by caring, sharing and listening to others. Adults help children to understand how to respect by talking about how actions/words can affect others.
Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs:
This is achieved through activities aimed at developing our young pupils understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society and by giving them opportunities to experience such diversity. Class work involves discussions and activities to celebrate our diverse community of different faiths and different cultural heritage. Using age appropriate language we aim to educate our children about prejudices and prejudice-based issues by learning in about these issues in RE and SMSC. Members of different faiths or religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning. Children have the opportunity to dress up in clothes and try foods from different cultures and we encourage parents/carers to participate and support our multi-cultural events which this year has included our Olympic Opening Ceremony.
We aim thatall learnerswillstriveto achieve their potential through developing:
- Spirituality = be caring, empathetic and open to learn newthings
- Teamwork = be willing to share knowledge, skills andexperiences
- Risk Taking = be prepared to have ago
- Independence = be confident, safe and happyindividuals
- Vision = be creative, imaginative andresourceful
- Endeavour = be the best that you canbe
At Elliston we believe that it’s not just what you learn but how you learn; children need to become learners for life to reach their full potential.