Promoting British Values

The DfE have 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 Callow End school these values are linked closely to the ethos of the school and our Values for Life. They are reinforced regularly through our curriculum, our collective worship and also in the following ways:

 

Democracy – linked to our values of Trust and Respect

Democracy is very evident throughout our school. Pupils have the opportunity to have their voices heard through our School Council. Pupils who wish to serve on the School Council or the Eco council are voted for by all the pupils in annual elections. Parents elect a representative for each year group who attends a Parent Voice meeting with the Headteacher each half term. Pupils and parents are given opportunities to express their views of the school and can also share their opinions through the pupil and parent questionnaires.

Key Christian text: For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self control. 2 Timothy 1:7

 

The Rule of Law - linked to our values of Truth, Trust and Respect

The importance of laws, whether they are those that govern the class, the school or the country are consistently reinforced throughout regular school days and through school assemblies. Our behaviour policy is based on positivity and conforming to the school rules. Pupils are rewarded for doing the right thing in different ways such as our gold book certificates, being added to our Values tree or through our Mrs Wilkinson’s Wonders tea parties. Of course there are also sanctions in place for not following the rules, just as there are in wider society. Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind laws, that they govern and protect us, the responsibilities this involves and the consequences when laws are broken.

Key Christian text: Whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Philippians 4.8

 

Individual Liberty - linked to our values of Respect and Trust

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 an empowering education. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms. They are also advised how to exercise these safely, for example through our e-safety and PSHE lessons. Children are given regular opportunities to develop their ability to discuss their opinions and work together to explore how they may agree or disagree with each other. Whether it be through choice of challenge; how to present or record their work; of participation in extra-curricular clubs or through pupil run and organised events such as our enterprise challenge or charity fund raising, pupils are given the freedom to make choices and influence school life.

Key Christian text: If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. John 8:31/32

 

Mutual Respect and Tolerance - linked to Respect, Forgiveness, Trust and Peace

At Callow End we strive to enhance our children’s tolerance of their place in a culturally diverse and ever changing society. In Collective Worship we consider what we mean by respect and tolerance and how we show it to each other. These ideas are reiterated through our classroom and learning rules and our behaviour policy. Our RE and PSHE curriculum allows our pupils to explore different faiths and cultures in order to gain understanding of others. Tolerance of different faiths and beliefs is promoted through the Locally Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education as pupils learn about different religions, their beliefs, festivals and places of worship.

Key Christian text: Treat others just as you want to be treated. Luke 6:31