British Values
At Dunn Street Primary School, we value the diversity of the backgrounds of all pupils, families and the wider school community and strongly believe in upholding British values through all aspects of our school provision. We are able to share and learn from different communities and increase social experiences for all pupils.
In support of the Department for Education (DofE) document: Promoting fundamental British values as part of SMSC in schools, Departmental advice for maintained schools, November 2014. We reinforce 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.”
Our school values demonstrates how the British Values underpin the life of the school:
Respect – Pride – Tolerance – Cooperation – Integrity – Resiliencei
Intent
- To enable pupils to develop their self-knowledge, self-esteem and self-confidence;
- To enable pupils to distinguish right from wrong and to respect the civil and criminal law of Britain;
- To encourage pupils to accept responsibility for their behaviour, show initiative, and to understand how they can contribute positively to the lives of those living and working in the locality of the school and to society more widely;
- To enable pupils to acquire a broad general knowledge of and respect for public institutions and services in Britain;
- To further tolerance and harmony between different cultural traditions by enabling pupils to acquire an appreciation of and respect for their own and other cultures;
- To encourage respect for other people;
- To encourage respect for democracy and support for participation in the democratic processes, including respect for the basis on which the law is made and applied in Britain.
Democracy
‘We all have a say.’
Pupil voice is significant at Dunn Street Primary School. Our pupil elected school council plays a strong role in our school. They are elected by their class peers and are involved in making the school a better place to learn. Pupils have a great amount of input in regards to what and how they learn as they decide upon the topic they would like to learn about each half term and the teachers use this to inform planning. The pupil’s voice is also heard through pupil conferencing and through pupil questionnaires. We know that the formation of the school council and the active participation of our pupils will sow the seeds for a more sophisticated understanding of democracy in the future.
The Rule of Law
‘We respect the rules of school and laws in society.’
Our pupils will encounter rules and laws throughout their entire lives. We want our pupils to understand that whether these laws govern the class, the school, the community or the country, they are set for good reasons and must be adhered to.
This understanding of the importance of rules will be consistently reinforced through assemblies, in classes, around the school and through our curriculum. The involvement of our pupils in the creation of the school rules helps them to understand the reasons behind the rules and the consequences if they are broken. Through SMSC questions and circle times, we allow opportunity to debate and discuss the reasons for laws so that children can recognise the importance of these for their own protection. Throughout the year we welcome visits from members of the wider community. We believe that clear explanations and real life stories emphasise the importance of the rule of law for our pupils. Opportunities for children to take more responsibility around the school are encouraged and such roles as School Sports Crew, Lunch time support and ‘Class Special Helper’.
Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs
‘Together we are one community who care, respect and understand one another.’
Our RE syllabus ensures that all children learn about the main religions and teaches respect and understanding for the cultures, beliefs, opinions and traditions or others. Class assemblies also help to contribute to the knowledge of special occasions, beliefs and customs. Additionally, Equality and Diversity Days give children the opportunity to enhance their understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society. Through our curriculum and the routines of our daily school life, we strive to demonstrate tolerance and help children to become knowledgeable and understanding citizens who can build a better Britain for the future. We use opportunities such as the Olympics and current news and events from around the world to help the children study and learn about life and cultures in different countries.
Mutual Respect
‘We respect other and expect them to show us respect.’
Mutual respect is at the core of our school life. The children learn to treat each other and staff with great respect. This is evident when walking around the school and in the classrooms. Children are encouraged to showcase their work in their class, our school website and other social media platforms and contribute respectful comments about the work of others. Each class draws up a set of class rules or a class agreement each year and use this to set the tone for the level of respect that is expected throughout the year. Through Equality and Diversity Days, E-Safety Days and Anti- Bullying week, the children are taught to value differences in themselves and others and most importantly to show respect to all. Discussions in ‘Our Lives’ lessons facilitate opportunities for children to show respect to each other’s beliefs, feelings and opinions by given each child a forum to share these on and an expectation that these must be listened to.
Individual Liberty
‘We know our human rights and exercise these in school life and beyond.’
We invest a great deal of time in creating a positive culture in our school, so that children are in a safe environment where choices and freedoms are encouraged and valued. Pupils are given the freedom to make a variety of meaningful choices, taking ownership of their learning. We offer a range of clubs which pupils have the freedom to choose from, based on their interests and skills. Through our E-Safety days, we educate children on their rights and personal freedoms as well as supporting them in recognising how to exercise these freedoms safely. All children are encouraged to share their feelings in a safe way. Children take responsibility to help resolve conflicts and repair relationships. At Dunn Street Primary School, we believe that valuing choice and freedom in daily school life will foster a value for individual liberty as the children embark upon their adult lives.