British Values
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 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 this year. At Ditton Primary School values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways.
Democracy
Each year the children decide upon their own class rules, based around the school code of conduct, and the rights associated with these. All the children contribute to the drawing up of these rules. We have a School Council which meets every month with members of staff to discuss issues raised in Class Council meetings. The School Council has its own budget and is genuinely able to effect change within the school. Every child on the School Council is voted in by their class. A Head/Deputy Boy and Girl are voted in by the whole school through a campaign and election process. Children have biannual questionnaires where they are able to put forward their views about the school.
The Rule of Law
The importance of laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school or the country are consistently reinforced at Ditton Primary School. Pupils are taught from an early age the rules of the school. These are our code of conduct/golden rules, playground rules and safety rules. Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind rules and laws, that they govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws/rules are broken. Visits from authorities such as the Police and Fire Service help reinforce this message.
Individual Liberty
At Ditton Primary School pupils are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe, secure and supportive environment. As a school we educate and provide boundaries for young pupils to make informed choices, through this environment and empowering education. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and advised how to exercise these safely, for example through our eSafety and PSHE lessons.
Mutual 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. All of our golden rules reinforce this.
Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs
Ditton Primary School is an inclusive school. We actively promote diversity through our celebrations of different faiths and cultures. Religious Education lessons reinforce messages of tolerance and respect for others. Our multicultural curriculum illustrates our commitment to exploring our diverse world. Members of different faiths and religions, within our community are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school. The children visit places of worship that are important to different faiths.