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British Values

At Newport Primary School, we seek to promote the fundamental British Values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.  We believe that promoting these values is preparing our children for life outside of our school gates.  Below is a summary of how we promote these values in a way that can be understood by our children and is purposeful for them.  The teaching of British Values is part of our Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural (SMSC) curriculum.  These values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways:

 

Democracy 

Children are taught how they can influence decision making through the democratic process.  They also learn about how the voting system works, the role of Parliament and the role of local councillors.  Children are encouraged to engage with democratic processes that are happening in and outside of school e.g. Parent governor elections, local, national and global elections.  

 

Children have the opportunity to have their voices heard through our School Council:  class representatives put forward their applications and they are then voted for by their classmates.  The School Council work with the staff and the Governing Body to improve the school.  Children are encouraged to discuss matters of concern with the class representatives or to use the 'Pupil Voice' box located in the library.  Every half term there is a 'Pupil Voice' assembly where the representatives share with the rest of the school updates and take constructive suggestions from their peers on the next steps to take.  

 

Pupil questionnaires and interviews also give the staff and Governing Body the opportunity to hear the opinions of the children and to take action accordingly.  The Headteacher and teachers may use class votes to decide upon class or whole school matters or activities.  Our child friendly versions of our safeguarding and anti-bullying policies are also examples about how Pupil Voice is valued and promoted.  Moreover, where relevant in the main curriculum children are always encouraged to take an active role in class discussions and debates. 

 

The Rule of Law

The importance of laws; whether they are class or school rules are consistently reinforced throughout the school day.  Where relevant children are asked to contribute via discussion to these school or class rules.  Children 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.  The children have an understanding about the policies and procedures that are in place to tackle poor behaviour and attitude which are not as expected.  Laws about our community and our country are also discussed through visiting speakers e.g. Fire Service to help reinforce their important message.  The Rule of Law message is also explored in depth in PSHE (Personal, Social and Health Education) and in RSE (Relationship, Sex Education) lessons throughout the academic year.  

 

From the beginning of their time at Newport Primary School children are taught our three behaviour rules; Is it safe? Is it respectful? Are you ready? Children are also taught about the difference between right and wrong as well as the importance of honesty and forgiveness; recognising that our school is a safe place to make mistakes, reflect and make amends.  Abiding by these rules ensures that our school is a safe, calm, respectful and happy learning environment that we can all thrive in.  

 

PE lessons are a great way to promote appropriate conduct when following the rules of a game and how these can contribute to playing well as a team and being a valued member of that team.  

 

Individual Liberty 

Within school, children are actively encouraged to be independent learners and to make positive choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment.  As a school we educate and provide boundaries for young children to make choices safely, through the provision of a safe environment and empowering education, these choices can be made ranging from the level of challenge in a lesson, to the participation of extra-curricular activities, to what they would like for lunch.  

 

All children are encouraged to become good and valued citizens.  This is achieved by supporting each child to become as independent as possible and to recognise their strengths and what they can do to work on areas they are less confident in.  Children's independent learning skills are promoted daily as this is a great opportunity for children to learn about the science of learning (learning how to learn) and also enables them to become problem solvers.  

 

Before taking part in an activity that could bring about risk children are encouraged to discuss these risks and as they children progress through the school they are encouraged to put together their own risk assessment e.g. for specific lesson or for a trip (please note this is not instead of a risk assessment completed by staff members but is in addition to).  Activities like this empower the children and give them confidence in their decisions.  Children are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms to make choices and advised how to exercise these safely, e.g. through PSHE/RSE lessons and lessons around internet safety.

 

Mutual Respect

Respect is one of our 3 school rules; this is actively promoted and discussed on a daily basis throughout the school day.  This can include in class, moving around the school building, in assemblies, at playtimes and lunchtimes, in the lunch hall or in schools before/after school.  Children are taught about what respect looks like (both giving and receiving) and how it can be shown.  Children are also taught how they can expect respect of their own beliefs and values and how they should show respect to others who may have the same or different beliefs/values.  Our RE, PSHE, RSE and geography lessons also promote this value.  Moreover, children are given the opportunity to represent the school community at events including events where they are participating with other schools.  

 

Our school behaviour policy promotes respectful relationships between each other and respect for themselves.  

 

Tolerance of those of different Faiths and Beliefs

Children are regularly engaged in opportunities to explore the culturally diverse society that they live in.  Our RE, PSHE and geography lessons are important for this particular value as well as school assemblies. Assemblies are regularly planned to address different faiths and beliefs through the inclusion of stories and celebrations from a large variety of different faiths and cultures.  Assemblies and discussions involving prejudice and prejudice based bullying are followed up with class discussions and more focused learning relevant to the age group of the children.  Members of different faiths or religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning both within and outside of school.  

 

Raising awareness of key events for different cultures and religions is also promoted in assemblies and within class. Children visit places of worship and school resources are purchased with diversity in mind to support children's growing understanding.  Teachers make conscious decisions when planning the curriculum and resources/texts they will use to ensure that there is diversity.  Furthermore, cultural appreciation and development are interwoven into our curriculum.  There is a great emphasis on providing encounters and participation in events and celebrations that enrich children's experiences and awareness of others.  National events e.g. The Olympics or The World Cup provide excellent opportunities to learn about other countries.  

 

Active support of charities, both in Britain and overseas, develops children's appreciation of an respect for the difference inequalities in the world and of all the things we share as human beings e.g. the need for food, shelter and love.  

 

 

 

As well as actively promoting British Values, we would actively challenge, children, staff, parents or visitors expressing opinions contrary to fundamental British Values. including 'extremist' views.  

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