British Values
The DfE have emphasied 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. At Corby Old Village Primary School these values are taught through our broad, balanced and enriched curriculum. Promotion of our school vision ensure that our children practice key learning behaviours to create confident individuals, accomplished learners, reflective contributors and responsible citizens.
Democracy
Pupil voice is used as a tool for school improvement. The School Council are an example of how pupil’s ideas for the future of our school are sought. Pupil questionnaires have been used to evaluate their views.
Parents and staff also complete separate questionnaires once a year and their comments are used to improve the school.
The Rule of Law
A consistently applied Behaviour Policy is shared with the children and is visible in all areas of the school. Expectations are reinforced regularly and opportunities are sought frequently to praise positive choices. Pupils’ modelling behaviour consistently with the school’s high expectations are recognised and used as role models to others.
Through assemblies and the school’s PSHE curriculum, children develop an understanding of law appropriate to their age. Access to high quality texts gives pupils a safe way of exploring the ‘breaking’ of laws and an opportunity to discuss consequences when this occurs. Pupils are taught explicitly that laws keep us safe and gives pupils the opportunity to recognise when they do and do not feel safe.
Regular contact with PCSOs at assemblies builds positive relationships with the Police from an early age and children understand their role in maintaining a peaceful community. Visitors from other external agencies such as the Fire service, Health professionals and ‘People Who Help Us’ reinforces their understanding of the responsibilities held by various professions.
Individual Liberty
Our school values are taught across the school and every child is aware that they have the right to feel safe. They are also taught that there is nothing too awful that the cannot talk to an adult about it.
Children are valued for their differences and there is a wide variety of extra-curricular clubs to enable children to enable children to try new things, develop new skills and practise existing ones. Care is taken to provide equal opportunities for all genders such as boys and girls in sports teams.
Time and care is taken to know each child as an individual and circle time sessions give children a chance to share their feelings and choices in a safe way.
Mutual Respect
Our school values are regularly reviewed with the children to set clear expectations of respectful behaviour. If pupils show disrespect to one another, this is dealt with immediately through the school’s behaviour policy and parents/carers contacted. Time is given for repair and restoration and to talk about the behaviour, which is disrespectful to others.
An Anti-Bullying week is held annually and various well-being events are held across the year. During these sessions, children are taught to value differences in others and themselves and to respect others.
A consistent behaviour policy is in place and children take responsibility, with support when needed, to resolve conflict and repair relationships.
Through the School Sports Partnership, all children have opportunities to participate in local sports events. These ensure children experience competitive events and have an opportunity to apply their sportsmanship skills with other schools.
Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs
The school follows the Northamptonshire RE syllabus, which ensures that the children learn about all the religions of the world. Assemblies contribute to widening the children’s knowledge of special occasions; children and their families are encouraged to share information on how they celebrate special events, such as, Thanksgiving, Eid and Diwali. The local Reverend visits the school and talks to the children in assemblies and contributes to RE lessons.
Resources in classrooms are regularly audited to ensure they reflect our multi-cultural society and stereotypes are challenged.
Part of our vision at Corby Old Village Primary School is to prepare the children of the future to become valued members of society. Promoting British Values enables children to develop a sense of community and begin to understand their responsibilities and role within it.