British Values
How we Promote British Values
The DfE 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. The Ofsted School Inspection Handbook 2022 specifically refers to the expectation that schools are:
- developing and deepening pupils’ understanding of the fundamental British values of democracy, individual liberty, the rule of law and mutual respect and tolerance
At Spellbrook these values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways:
Democracy:
Democracy is highly valued within the school. Children at Spellbrook play an ever-increasing role in school leadership and their opinions sought in a range of ways;
- All of our Year 6 children are given the opportunity to take on a leadership role in some capacity during their last year at Spellbrook. For some roles the children have to write and deliver a speech to the rest of the school to say why they should be selected.
- The prefects take responsibility for running the weekly Achievement assembly.
- The Worship Team lead Collective Worship and children of all ages independently lead prayer.
- Sport Captains are trained to lead the organisation of playground games and to look after equipment.
- Eco-Action Team are chosen by their peers to look after our school environment and to canvas opinion and instigate action on such issues as sustainability and recycling.
- Junior Travel Ambassadors promote sustainable travel within the school and meet with others from the local areas as representatives of Spellbrook to plan travel initiatives and promote sustainable travel.
- The School Council represent their classes in projects and take a lead in organising charity events
- At the end of the academic year the children in Diamond Class (Year 5 & 6) vote for the pupil they would like to receive the Diamond Class Award at our Leavers’ Service held at Great St Mary's Church for effort and good behaviour.
The Rule of Law:
The importance of laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country are consistently reinforced throughout regular school days. This is reinforced when writing our school behaviour code and through school assemblies. 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 & fire service etc. are included regularly throughout the year and help reinforce this message. Our Y6 children attend Crucial Crew every year which gives them the opportunity to develop an understanding of how to live safely and within the boundaries of the law of the country through a workshop approach led by a range of professional services. We have had visits from a local magistrate who helps the children understand more about the criminal justice system in the UK
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 our pupils to make choices sensibly, through the provision of a safe environment and empowering education. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised how to exercise these safely, for example through e-Safety awareness and PSHE lessons. Pupils are constantly being given the freedom to make choices throughout the school day – for example through choice of challenge of how they record their work; what they would like for their lunch or which after school club they attend etc.
Mutual Respect
Through our clear expectations laid down in the school behaviour policy and behaviour code, as well as hearing bible stories that focus on this, pupils develop an understanding of the importance of treating others as they would wish to be treated.
Respect 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.
Children are encouraged to celebrate differences and to enjoy finding out how those of different faiths and backgrounds enjoy different aspects of life. Through the RE curriculum, children learn about different belief systems and there is always a focus on respecting other's beliefs. Pupils are given the opportunity to visit different places of worship and members of different faiths or religions are invited into school to share their knowledge and beliefs first-hand.
Our Christian values emphasise treating others with respect, compassion and generosity. Age appropriate discussions take place regarding prejudice and prejudice-based behaviours and how we should respond if we should experience or witness them.