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.”
At Weedon Bec we promote these values through:
Democracy:
Democracy is embedded within the school. Children have the opportunity to have their voices heard through our School Council, pupil questionnaires and regular ‘pupil voice’ events. The elections of House Captains, the School Council and various other roles in school are based on the children’s votes.
The Rule of Law:
The importance of Laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced throughout the regular school day, as well as when dealing with behaviour and through school assemblies. Children are taught the value and reasons behind laws or rules, that they govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken. Visits from authorities such as the Police and Fire Services are regular parts of our school calendar and help reinforce this message.
Individual Liberty:
Within school, children 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 young children to make choices safely, through provision of a safe environment and empowering education.
Children are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised on how to exercise these safely, for example through our E-Safety and PSHE lessons. Whether it be through choice of challenge, of how they record, of participation in our numerous extra-curricular clubs and opportunities, pupils are given the freedom to make choices.
Mutual Respect:
Part of our school ethos and behaviour policy has revolved around values such as respect and inclusion. Children have been part of discussions and assemblies related to what this means and how it is shown. This is reiterated through our classroom and school rules, as well as our behaviour policy.
Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs:
This is achieved through enhancing children’s understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society and by giving them opportunities to experience such diversity. This is done specifically through PSHE and RE, as well as across the whole curriculum where relevant. We try to ensure that all our children have visited several places of worship including, Hindu Temples, Mosques and churches.