Promoting British Values at Brompton and Sawdon Primary School
Our school also supports the definition of British Values as set out in the Prevent Strategy in 2011.
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 set out its definition of British values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy, and these values were reiterated in 2014.
At Brompton and Sawdon Community Primary School, we actively promote British values.
Democracy
Pupils have the opportunity to have their voices heard through our School Council. The elections of school councillors, as well as elections for school representatives for occasions such as key speakers at Scarborough Council meetings are based solely on pupil votes. We encourage pupils to become involved in decision-making processes and ensure they are listened to in school, with opportunities in assembly and in class to ask questions and to ensure that the key parts of our school charter are adhered to.
Rule of law
The importance of rules, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced throughout regular school days. Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind rules, 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. We ensure school rules and expectations are clear and fair, they were agreed and developed by all stakeholders. We help pupils to distinguish right from wrong and encourage them to make the right choices.
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. 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. We implement a strong anti-bullying culture.
Mutual Respect
Part of our school ethos and our school charter (written by pupils and agreed by staff, governors and everyone in school) revolves around our values such as respect, tolerance, friendship and forgiveness. Pupils are part of discussions and assemblies based on these themes each half term. All members of the school community treat each other with respect. Displays around the school promote respect for others and this is reiterated through our classroom and learning rules, as well as our behaviour policy. Children have the opportunity to talk to anyone in school about how they are feeling. The children are also given the opportunity to suggest ways in which they could ‘cheer up’ any friends who are sad and indeed, they can discuss any conflicts within the group reinforcing mutual respect and kindness.
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. Assemblies and discussions involving prejudices and prejudice-based bullying have been followed and supported by learning in RE and PSHE. We promote respect for individual differences and the children are very respectful and tolerant of those with different needs.
At Brompton and Sawdon Primary School we will actively challenge staff, pupils or parents expressing opinions contrary to fundamental British Values, including ‘extremist’ views.