BRITISH VALUES
All schools are expected to provide opportunities for the spiritual, moral, social and cultural (SMSC) development of their pupils and as part of this, we also promote “fundamental British values”.
The DfE define these values as:
Democracy
The rule of law
Individual liberty and
Mutual respect for and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs
At Abbots Ripton CE Primary School these values are taught through delivering a broad and balanced curriculum which appeals to, and challenges, children of all ages. The school takes the opportunity to promote these values across the curriculum, in collective worship and in the life of the school for example through our behaviour policy.
At Abbots Ripton CE Primary School, the British Values are reinforced in the following ways:
Democracy:
Democracy is an important aspect of our school ethos as pupils are given a voice and an opportunity to effect change through questionnaires and the school council.
Our 'reward' system is also a very real opportunity for the children to see democracy in action; each token received by a child is a 'vote' for a reward at the end of the term These are counted and all children receive the winning reward, regardless of how they voted with their tokens.
Rule of Law:
The importance of laws and rules is consistently reinforced and recognised by teachers and children alike. The children take an active role in reinforcing our behaviour 'rules' of Ready, Respectful and Safe.
In Key Stage 2 our ‘Buddies’ take an active role in solving problems and resolving conflicts between younger children. They are encouraging our youngest pupils to agree upon a positive way forward when a disagreement occurs. These processes give children a deeper understanding of justice and accountability.
We also have visitors who reinforce the importance of laws and rules such as the Police and Fire Service.
Individual Liberty:
At Abbots Ripton CE Primary School, pupils are encouraged to make choices and speak their minds. Our school environment is safe, secure and supportive, providing children with the confidence to express themselves. Children are encouraged to make choices about their education, ranging from activities in class, extra- curricular activities and even the quality of their work through self- assessment.
As a Church of England school we recognise and celebrate each child’s uniqueness as God given
Some of these are entwined with SMSC too.
Democracy and rule of law
- Teaching Skara Brea in yr2 first term
- Florence Nightingale yr2/3
- 50 years of school changes and history
- Back to The Future topic looking at changes in society
- Children vote for House Captains and for the school council
- School Council elections have been discussed and challenged by the pupils and new systems have now been introduced.
- School council run in democratic way with everyone respecting views.
Chaired and minutes taken by the children
- Curriculum will include election of new government and all that that involves.
- Magna Carta anniversary will be celebrated.
- History and Geography: pupils will analyse events in the UK and world history where British values have been tested, such as both World wars. In geography pupils could look at how different cultures live and work throughout the world.
- Freedom of speech promoted in class discussions and circle time- PSHE
- School council attend Parish council meeting annually to talk about work
Tolerance and Respect
- RE includes tolerance and understanding of different religions
- French and Spanish clubs available
- Year 3, 4, 5, and 6 residential trips
Citizenship and Individual Liberty
- PCSO invited to take assembly
- Awareness of the wider world with charity work including ‘Send my Friend to School’
- Year 6 chosen charity researched and enterprise schemes to raise further money
- Wider community clubs i.e. art, gardening, drama
SMSC
Spiritual
- Collective worship – candle, prayer and reflection
- Church visits
- Year 4-6 visit to Ely Cathedral Schools Day
- Assemblies which are interactive and focus on the school aims and values
- Class prayers written by children
- PSHE and RE syllabus followed
- Singing, art and dance
Moral
- Assemblies
- Behaviour policies known and followed
- Friendship Bench
- Anti-bullying week
- Class rules set by children
- Pupil focus group appointed to write the Anti Bullying Policy
Social
- School Council
- Class assemblies to parents
- School productions
- Buddies
- Play leaders
- Maths, science weeks
Cultural
- Teaching French and Spanish and learning about their ways of life
- Topics covering a range of countries
- Steel drumming visitors
- Visits planned to local mosques and other places of religious observance
- Multi cultural weeks planned in annually
- School is a member of the British Council