British Values

Promoting British Values

Picture News

The Picture News curriculum provides opportunities for children to learn about our world, develop independence, resilience, respect and supports them in unlocking their own drive and passion for learning. We find that teaching the news not only provides great content and stimulus and grips children’s attention, it is also something that the children can impact. It is current, happening now and so their voice is given meaning and purpose – “It is our world and we all matter.”

 

In 2011, the government defined British Values as democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs.  We promote these values through our own school values, curriculum and enrichment activities.

Value

How We Promote It

Democracy

 

Links to school values:

Respect

Tolerance

Understanding

UN CRC Article 12:  Children have the right to say what they think should happen, when adults are making decisions that affect them, and to have their opinions taken into account.

  • We have an elected School Council.  This is used as an opportunity to promote and teach about democracy and the electoral process.
  • We encourage volunteerism in and out of school.  This includes raising money for local and national charities.
  • The beginnings of democracy are taught through historical research of the Ancient Greece civilisation.
  • Democracy is also promoted through additional PSHE lessons and assemblies.
  • Children are taught about the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and learn to respect their rights and the rights of others.

The rule of law

 

Links to school values:

Respect

Co-operation

Courage

 

UN CRC Article 19:  Governments should ensure that children are properly cared for, and protect them from violence, abuse and neglect by their parents, or anyone else who looks after them.

  • We have high expectations about pupil conduct and this is reflected in our Behaviour Policy.  There are rewards for exhibiting good and caring  behaviour and consistent demonstration of our values is recognised through such things as ‘Star of the Week’ and sports awards
  • Through our school assemblies, circle time and PSHE children are taught how to earn trust and respect and are supported to develop a strong sense of morality; knowing right from wrong and doing the right thing even when it’s difficult.
  • Children are taught to play by the rules in sport , with emphasis on fair play
  • The local police officer / PCSO visit the school to talk to the children and explain about their role in society.
  • Children are taught about the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and learn to respect their rights and the rights of others.

Individual liberty

 

Links to school values:

Respect

Courage

 

UN CRC Article 31:  All children have a right to relax and play, and to join in a wide range of activities.

UN CRC Article 15:  Children have the right to meet together and to join groups and organisations, as long as this does not stop other people from enjoying their rights.

  • Children are taught about the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and learn to respect their rights and the rights of others.
  • Through our school values and the SEAL PSHE program, children are taught about personal responsibility, choices, ambition and aspiration.  They are encouraged to take opportunities to follow their interests in art, music, sport etc.
  • SEAL has specific units relating to individual liberty including ‘Good To Be Me!’
  • Children are taught how to keep themselves safe, including on-line.  This is done through computing lessons, assemblies and outside organisations such as the NSPCC, as well as through the PSHE curriculum.

 

Mutual respect

 

Links to school values:

Respect

Friendship

Co-operation

 

UN CRC Article 2:  The Convention applies to everyone whatever their race, religion, abilities, whatever they think or say and whatever type of family they come from.

UN CRC Article 30:  Children have a right to learn and use the language and customs of their families, whether these are shared by the majority of people in the country or not.

  • We have high expectations about pupil conduct and this is reflected in our Behaviour Policy and Single Equality Policy.
  • Children are taught about the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and learn to respect their rights and the rights of others.
  • Through our school’s values, SEAL scheme, PSHE and circle time children are taught to respect each other, to be cooperative and collaborative, be supportive and to look for similarities while being understanding of differences.
  • The SEAL theme of ‘Getting on and Falling Out’ explores these issues well.
  • Mutual respect is also promoted through additional PSHE lessons and assemblies.  A range of specific assemblies were delivered focusing on helping other pupils to understand specific special needs.
  • Children are taught about the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and learn to respect their rights and the rights of others.

Tolerance of different faiths and beliefs

 

Links to school values:

Respect

Tolerance/Understanding

 

UN CRC Article 14:  Children have the right to think and believe what they want, and to practise their religion, as long as they are not stopping other people from enjoying their rights. Parents should guide their children on these matters.

  • We have high expectations about pupil conduct and this is reflected in our Behaviour Policy and Equality, Diversity and Cohesion Policy.
  • Tolerance of different faiths and beliefs is promoted through the Syllabus for Religious Education.  Children learn about different religions, their beliefs, places of worship and festivals.  The children’s work on this subject or whole school learning in assemblies is often displayed in the classrooms or around the school.
  • This is supplemented by assemblies (Key Stage and whole school), which also mark and celebrate significant religious festivals such as Ramadan and Diwali.
  • We use “Picture News” for topical assemblies
  • Visits are made by local religious leaders and children have the opportunity to visit places of worship.
  • Children are taught about the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and learn to respect their rights and the rights of others.