British Values

Promoting Fundamental British Values.

In accordance with The Department for Education we aim to actively promote British values in schools to ensure young people leave school prepared for life in modern Britain. 

Pupils are encouraged to regard people of all faiths, races and cultures with respect and tolerance and understand that while different people may hold different views about what is ‘right’ and ‘wrong’, all people living in England are subject to its law.

The Key Values are:

•    democracy
•    rule of law
•    individual liberty
•    mutual respect
•    tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs 

These values are taught explicitly through Personal, Social, Health and Emotional (PSHE), and Religious Education (RE). We also teach the British Values by planning and delivering a broad and balanced curriculum, and the way we run our school. The school takes opportunities to actively promote British Values through our assemblies and whole school systems and structures such as running a successful School Council. We also actively promote the British values through ensuring that our curriculum planning and delivery includes real opportunities for exploring these values. Actively promoting British Values also means challenging pupils, staff or parents expressing opinions contrary to fundamental British Values, including ‘extremist’ views. At Moorland Primary School, these values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways:

Democracy:

Democracy is valued highly at our school. Pupils have the opportunity to have their voices heard through our School Council. Rules are available in each classroom and actively used by children and adults influencing what is an agreed acceptable behaviour as part of our relationship policy. In addition some assemblies follow a current affairs programme, and a multi-cultural approach. Democracy is investigated in cross curricular work where appropriate. For example, the children learn about Ancient Civilisations and the rise of Democracy and its implications in Britain today is explored.

The Rule of Law:

The importance of laws and rules, whether they are those that govern the class, the school or the country, are consistently reinforced throughout regular school days. Our behaviour codes are clear. Regular celebration events recognise and reward good behaviour. 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 are regular parts of our calendar and help reinforce this message.

Individual Liberty:

Pupils are actively encouraged to make choices at our school, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. As a school we provide boundaries for our children to make choices safely, through the provision of a safe environment and planned curriculum. 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 teaching and PSHE lessons.

Respect:

Anti-bullying assemblies reflect our commitment to mutual respect. Equally our charity work with local and national charities all helps in teaching mutual respect as well as reinforcing our links with the local community. Children and adults alike, including visitors, are challenged if they are disrespectful in any way.

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 in our local community. Assemblies and discussions involving prejudices and prejudice-based bullying will be followed and supported by learning in RE and PSHE. All classes study a major World faith alongside Christianity each year. We encourage children to research and discover differences and similarities between us and our European neighbours in Geography lessons. Likewise we used opportunities such as the Olympics and Para-Olympics to study and learn about life and culture and faith in other countries.