British Values

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.

The government sets out its definition of British values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy, and these values have been reiterated by the Prime Minister this year.

At Lincewood Primary School we follow the SEAL (social, emotional aspects of learning) programme of study for PSHE (personal, social and health education) in each year. This encourages children to develop their skills of negotiating, dealing with issues in life, supporting others in need and developing tolerance for differences between individuals.
In addition these values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways:

Democracy

Pupils have the opportunity to have their voices heard through our Pupil questionnaires and the School Council, who are chosen solely based on pupil votes. In addition, House Captains and Vice Captains are selected to represent the house teams across the school. Each year the House Captains decide upon a charity that they wish to support through Sports Day fund raising and the entire school makes a contribution to their chosen charity.

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 regular school days, as well as when dealing with behaviour and through school assemblies. Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind laws, 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; Fire Service; etc. are regular parts of our calendar and help reinforce this message. The school’s behaviour policy gives pupils the opportunity to reflect on appropriate behaviours and to change negative behaviours. Children are taught to manage their own behaviour in a variety of ways and to realise that there are consequences for unacceptable behaviour.

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 the 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 and PSHE lessons. Whether it is through choice of challenge, of how they record, of school dinner, 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 Core Values such as ‘Respect’, and pupils have been part of discussions and assemblies related to what this means and how it is shown. The promotion of respect is reiterated through our classroom discussions, learning rules, PHSE and RE lessons as well as our behaviour policy. The school encourages pupils to raise monies to support local and national charities; it also supports emergency disasters that happen across the world.

Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs

This is achieved through enhancing pupils understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society and by giving them opportunities to experience such diversity. The school follows the Essex scheme for Religious Education which looks at and celebrates different religions, faiths and places. In addition, assemblies and discussions involving prejudices and prejudice-based bullying have been followed and supported by learning in both RE and PSHE. Members of different faiths or religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school. The school staff are fully aware of the importance of being a role model for all pupils; demonstrating politeness, courtesy and respect for each other, visitors and children at all times.