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Promoting British Values

BRITISH VALUES

The DfE states 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 originally set out its definition of British values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy, and these values have been reiterated in their latest publications. Within our school these values reflect our school values and are reinforced regularly and in the following ways:

Democracy

The pupils at St Peter’s Church of England Primary School have a strong Pupil Voice forum which ensures all views of all pupils are heard and shared. School Council Members are elected by their peers annually and lead discussion on a wide range of issues including school priorities, key policies, how school events are organised, and the charities we support. They also run a weekly ‘drop in session’ on the playground. This teaches us about democracy, reminds the children how valued their opinions are and how they can play an important role in decisions that are being made in school. Members of the school council and minutes of their meetings can be found on the CHILDREN'S PAGE of this website.

The Rule of Law

The importance of Laws, whether related to a playground game, the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced throughout all aspects of school life. Pupils are taught rules and laws are in place for a purpose whether this is to make life fair or to protect us. Pupils are involved in our Behaviour Management Policy ensuring that the rules, rewards and consequences are fair, consistent and appropriate. As a whole school, we discussed and agreed our school rules based on personal values: treating others as we wish to be treated, always trying our best in everything we do, respect for other people and their belongings. Our behaviour system comes with a variety of rewards and consequences. We award certificates and celebrate good behaviour in our weekly celebration assembly.

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 advised how to exercise these safely, for example through our online safety and PSHE lessons. Whether it is through choice of learning 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

As a Church school respect is at the heart of our mission statement and 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.

Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs

St Peter's Church of England Primary School has a number of different faiths represented within its community. We respect these different faiths and enjoy finding out about some of their festivals. Our RE and PSHE teaching reinforce the teaching and tolerance of other faiths. Members of different faiths, religions and backgrounds are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school.

As a school we will actively challenge pupils, staff or parents expressing opinions contrary to fundamental British Values, including ‘extremist’ views. We have regular assemblies and acts of worship, which uphold traditional values of empathy, respect and tolerance.

We participate in sporting events and regularly receive good sportsman comments demonstrating that we have respect for others. We love being involved in local community events such as Blessing of the fisheries, carol singing at a local care home and annual memorial services. We have supported local charities such as The Pilgrims Hospice and The Rainbow Centre and we celebrate important events such as the King’s Coronation, the Olympics and the World Cup.

In upper Key Stage 2, pupils study World War II and the impact the military had in fighting for the British Empire. This is linked with the annual Poppy Day Celebrations where the children are given the opportunity to buy poppies and take part in a minute’s silence during a special worship.

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