Promoting British Values
At Wykeham Primary School, we are committed to ensuring pupils receive a high quality education. At the heart of our school are a set of core values that underpin our whole curriculum and school life so that our pupils leave us as happy, secure, caring and responsible citizens.
We believe that our core school values of respect, responsibility, tolerance and co-operation and the British values are not mutually exclusive. The acknowledgment that all people are to be valued regardless of beliefs, background or ethnic origin is reflected in our Equality Statement and rooted in our Values and Aims.
The wordle above shows a spectrum of the many values that we actively promote within our school.
In 2014, the Department for Education stated that there is a 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.’
We focus on ensuring our work is effective in securing these values; challenging pupils, staff or parents who express opinions contrary to British values; and ensuring all pupils have equal opportunities to achieve well.
Democracy
Democracy flourishes within our school. Pupils are listened to by adults and are taught to listen carefully and with concern for each other, respecting the right of every individual to have their opinions and voices heard. Pupils also have the opportunity to air their opinions and ideas through our School Council and regular questionnaires. The elections of the School Council members are based solely on pupil votes, reflecting our British electoral system and demonstrating democracy in action.
The Rule of Law
At our school, we consistently reinforce the importance of obeying laws and rules, whether they apply to the classroom, the school or the country. Our school has a School Charter, which is deeply embedded in our daily work. Each class also discusses and sets its own Class Charter that is clearly understood by all and seen to be necessary to ensure that every class member is able to learn in a safe and ordered environment. Our pupils are taught the value and reasons behind laws: that they govern and protect us. They learn about their responsibilities and the consequences when laws are broken. The curriculum provides opportunities to help pupils distinguish between what is morally right or wrong. Regular visits from authorities such as the police and fire services help to reinforce this message.
Individual Liberty
At Wykeham Primary School, pupils are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. We educate and provide boundaries for our pupils to make choices safely, through the provision of a safe environment and empowering education. Our pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and advised how to exercise these safely. Examples of this can be seen through our Computing lessons which include online safety and PSHCE lessons. We implement a strong anti-bullying culture. Pupils develop their self-knowledge, self-esteem and self-confidence. Whether it is through choice of challenge in an activity; of how they may record this; of how they behave or of participation in our extra-curricular clubs and opportunities, pupils are given the freedom to make choices.
Mutual Respect
We are working towards becoming a UNICEF Rights Respecting School and have achieved the Recognition of Commitment award. Pupils know and understand that our core value of respect is an integral part of everything we do. Pupils in our school know they have unconditional rights.
Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs
Tolerance is enhanced through pupils understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society and by giving them opportunities to experience such diversity. The school has high-profile assemblies which celebrate different religious festivals that are supported by our RE and PSHCE lessons. Members of different faiths or religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school. Our pupil participation in the weekly assemblies and various cultural events has been successful. Through the anti-bullying programme and the PSHCE curriculum pupils learn to respect each other.
Our broad and balanced curriculum provides numerous opportunities to instill these values in our pupils. Beliefs, traditions and customs of different cultures are studied in depth in many areas of the curriculum, such as in History, Religious Education and PSHCE. Here our pupils are provided with opportunities to develop their ideas and experiences leading to increased respect and understanding.
