Promoting British Values at Braddock Church of England Primary School
At Braddock C of E School we provide opportunities to develop skills and attitudes that prepare pupils for their future as young citizens. We promote fundamental British values and an inherent understanding of what it means to be British. The government set out their definition of British Values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy and these were reinforced in 2014.
We promote the British Values through our spiritual, moral, social and cultural education which is embedded throughout our curriculum. These are modelled by staff and regularly discussed with children during school assemblies, Religious Education and PSHE. The British Values have been set out as:
-
Democracy
-
The rule of law
-
Individual liberty
-
Mutual respect
-
Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs
Democracy
Democracy is embedded at the school. Pupils are always listened to by adults and are taught to listen carefully and respect the right of every individual to have their opinions and voices heard. We foster the concept and application of freedom of speech and group action to address needs and concerns through our School Council, Class Forums and pupil questionnaires. Pupils have a chance to explore other leadership roles and take responsibilities through the Junior Worship Team, classroom monitors and sports and playground leaders.
The Rule of Law
The importance of laws, whether they govern the class, the school or the country are consistently reinforced at Braddock. Our curriculum helps all our children understand the need for ‘rules’ as a way of protecting our school community and the consequences when laws are broken. The school has invited representatives of the Police and Fire Service who reinforced this message, as well as visits from the RNLI. Collective worship also plays a part in helping children see the need to follow laws to ensure we uphold our strong Christian values.
Individual Liberty
Within school, children are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. We have created a school that is supportive of our pupils; a school that encourages our children to take risks and reflect on their achievements and mishaps. This enables the children to make the right choices. It also gives children the vocabulary to enter into a dialogue with others in their decision making.
It is equally important for all our pupils to learn that everyone has their own view or way of doing things and that it is important that we show ‘tolerance’ of these differences. Assemblies and story-telling are just two of the ways that we have promoted the concept of tolerance towards others. For our older pupils, discussions over current affairs have been the theme for weekly class assemblies. Through topic and RE lessons we explore the liberty and choices of different cultures and beliefs.
Respect
Mutual respect is at the heart of our values. Children learn that their behaviours have an effect on their own rights and those of others. All members of the school community treat each other with respect.
Tolerance of those in Different Faiths & Beliefs
Braddock C of E School is situated in an area which is not greatly culturally diverse, therefore we place a great emphasis on promoting diversity. Collective Worship assemblies are regularly planned to address this issue and we plan the inclusion of stories and celebrations from a variety of faiths and cultures within RE and across our curriculum. Our RE and PSHE teaching reinforces this. The teachers are highly skilled in creating classroom environments where the children feel safe in expressing their views and where these can be challenged in a considered and age appropriate way. Members of different faiths or religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school.
