Promoting British Values at Grade Ruan C of E School
The Department for Education state that there is a 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 were reiterated by the Prime Minister in 2014.
The British Values are:-
- Democracy
- The Rule of Law
- Individual Liberty
- Mutual Respect
- Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs
At Grade Ruan we actively promote the fundamental British values through the curriculum we deliver and the wider democratic approach that the school adopts towards pupil voice and the school council. We consider the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of our children a high priority and therefore we strive to permeate this through all of our school activities and school life.
Democracy
Democracy is well embedded throughout our school. Pupils are always listened to by adults and are taught to listen carefully and with concern to each other, respecting the right of every individual to have their opinions and voices heard. Pupils can also air their opinions and ideas through our School Council, suggestion boxes and regular pupil questionnaires and pupil conferencing sessions. The elections of the School Council members, House Captains and Librarians are based solely on pupil votes, reflecting our British electoral system and demonstrating democracy in action. In the Early Years children vote on simple everyday activities such as choosing stories, songs, snack and cooking activities.
The Rule of Law
The importance of laws whether they are those that govern the class, the school or the country, are consistently reinforced. Our school follows a set of rules that are deeply embedded in our work every day and our ethos. The rules are explicitly discussed and explored to ensure that every school member is able to learn in a safe and ordered environment. Our pupils are taught the value and reasons behind laws, that they govern and protect us to ensure our wellbeing and safety, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken. Children from Reception through to Year 6 are taught how to distinguish right from wrong through Literacy themes, PSHE lessons and other cross curricular opportunities.
Individual Liberty
Pupils are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. As an academy, we educate and provide boundaries for our pupils to make choices safely, through the provision of a safe environment and an empowering education. Our pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised how to exercise these safely; examples of this can be clearly seen in our e-safety and P.S.H.E. lessons. Whether it is through choice of challenge; of how they record; of participation in our numerous extra- curricular activities; our pupils are given the freedom to make personal choices
Mutual Respect
Respect is one of the fundamental values of our school. The pupils understand that it is expected and imperative that respect is shown to everyone. Differences are explored throughout aspects of our curriculum and children are taught to appreciate and celebrate each other’s differences and support their peers to allow us all to grow together. Staff are outstanding role models to children, exposing them to high quality positive relationships.
Tolerance of Those with Different Faiths and Beliefs
Being a Church school ensures tolerance of those who have different faiths and beliefs. We enhance pupils understanding of different faiths and beliefs through our Religious Education program and our Personal, Social and Health Education work. Beliefs, traditions and customs for all different world religions are studied in depth, with visitors being invited in to our school to enrich and extend understanding. Through this our pupils gain an enhanced understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society within Britain.
