The DFE have recently 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, 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 this year.
At Wadsworth Fields these values are reinforced regularly:
Democracy is promoted within the school and is modelled by the teachers. All pupils have the opportunity to have their voices heard through our school parliament, pupil questionnaires, sports leaders and class council. The elections of school parliament members are based on pupil votes. Every member of school parliament is voted in by their class. Pupils’ opinions are also sought by subject leaders when monitoring their subject through pupil interviews
The importance of laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school or the country are consistently reinforced throughout regular school days and assemblies. Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind rules and laws; that they govern and protect us, the responsibility that this involves and the consequences when laws or rules are broken. Visits from authorities such as the police, fire service, road safety officers etc are regular parts of our calendar and help reinforce the message. There is a clear set of ‘School Rules’ which are displayed throughout the school. Within each class a set of class rules is established and drawn up by the class at the start of each year.
Within school, pupils are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. As a school we educate and provide boundaries for pupils to make choices safely, through the provision of a safe environment and empowering education. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and we advise how to exercise these safely, for example through our E Safety and PSHE lessons. Whether it be through the choice of challenge, of how they record their work, of participation in our numerous extracurricular clubs and opportunities, pupils are given the freedom to make choices. All classes work towards incentives such as golden time, reading rewards and class rewards where their choices affect outcomes for themselves personally as well as the whole class.
Running through the heart of our school philosophy and vision is respect. This is consistently and frequently discussed with the children through circle time, assemblies, class councils and school parliament. These values are reiterated throughout school life. Our behaviour philosophy is based around ensuring all children respect one another and can value everyone as individuals. Our first school rule is ‘Be kind in what you say and do.’
This is achieved through enhancing pupils understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society and by giving them opportunities to experience such diversity. Assemblies and discussions involving prejudices and prejudice based bullying have been followed and supported by learning in RE and PSHE. We celebrate festivals throughout the year from many world religions and cultures and think about how we can learn from them. Children are encouraged to value and accept everybody for who they are, regardless of faith, gender, sexual orientation or country of origin. RE and SMSC
(spiritual, moral, social and cultural education) promotes mutual respect and prepares children for life in modern Britain
