Promoting 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”.  At Hythe Bay Church of England Primary School these values are enshrined in our distinctly Christian values of Love, Tolerance, Compassion and Forgiveness and are reinforced regularly in all we do.

 

Democracy - Democracy underpins the values of the school.  All children are treated fairly and have an equal right to express their views and be listened to.  Pupils have the opportunity to have their voices heard through our School Council, Pupil Questionnaires and Pupil discussions with staff, Governors and Hythe Hub Headteachers.  Members of the School Council are elected democratically by their classmates which introduces them to the principal of democratic elections.  We also have strong links with Hythe Town Council and have taken children to visit the Houses of Parliament.

 

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 school day, as well as when dealing with behaviour and through school worship. Pupils are taught the reasons behind school rules, taught the importance of observing those rules and what the consequences will be should they forget to follow any of the rules.  Visits from authorities such as the Police reinforce the message that we all have a responsibility to follow laws and that there are consequences when laws are broken.

 

Individual Liberty - 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 young pupils to make choices safely, through provision of a safe environment and empowering education.  Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised how to exercise these safely, for example through our e-Safety Policy and PSHE lessons.

 

Mutual Respect - Our children thoroughly enjoy lessons and are active learners who display very good behaviour because they understand the right of all children to learn and thrive in an atmosphere of mutual respect.  The school promotes respect for others and this is reiterated through our classroom rules as well as our Behaviour Policy.  Children take part in discussions during Circle Time and Philosophy for Children when they are expected to treat the opinions and views of others with respect, even if they differ from their own.

 

Tolerance of Those of Different Faiths and Beliefs - All staff are committed to developing in children the language needed to express their views, emotions and feelings so that children are able to negotiate with their peers and resolve any disagreements peacefully.  We actively seek opportunities to enhance pupils’ understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society by giving them opportunities to experience such diversity through the real life experiences of their peers.  Every year group completes topics that relate to living in the UK in today’s society.  Worship, RE and PSHE support discussions around prejudices and prejudiced based bullying.  We actively take pupils to meet people from different faiths, for example, trips to the local Hindu temple.