British Values

 

British Values and Team Prestbury Christian Values

Links between PSHE (Personal, Social and Health Education) and British Values

 

At Prestbury St Mary’s Federation we believe that British values are essential in helping children to become happy, successful and valuable members of British society.

The promotion of British values through our curriculum builds upon the work we do in the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of all our children. Specific aspects of the taught curriculum (for example the theme of democracy in History) as well as our Assembly programme and PSHE Education support this. These aspects of our work permeate all parts of school life. The curriculum also enables children to have the opportunity to be involved in current national events, which highlight our democracy such national celebrations (for example involving the Royal family, Sporting events and Remembrance Day).

 From July 2015, the Department for Education (DfE) has given schools the statutory responsibility to promote British values as part of their work. The DfE has reiterated 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, mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.”

The definition of British values is established in the Prevent Strategy, published by the Government in 2011, and then revisited in 2014. The values identified are:

• Democracy
• The Rule of Law
• Individual Liberty
• Mutual Respect
• Tolerance of Different Faiths and Beliefs

 

 

DEMOCRACY

Children have the opportunity to become members of the School Council through an election process. The School Council meet on a regular basis with a member of the Senior Management Team and members can bring issues for discussion that have been raised by their class peers during a weekly class meeting.

We operate an open door policy. This ensures parents can have easy access to office staff, class teachers and members of the Leadership Team. The SLT and a member of the SMT are outside school each at the start and end of each day to talk to parents.

Our staff team meets each week (and our Teaching Assistant Team every fortnight) to discuss all aspects of school life. This meeting provides a perfect opportunity to discuss all aspects of Team Prestbury.

 

 

RULE OF LAW

At Team Prestbury, children understand the importance of good behaviour.

Every year, children are involved in creating their Class Charter, which helps them to understand how the law helps to keep us all safe in school and in wider society. Our School Behaviour Policy reinforce this concept and are regularly referred to in individual classes and across the school. The school’s strong moral code helps children to develop good concepts of right and wrong and to take responsibility for their own actions. Stereotypes are always challenged.  Our Year 6 children play an important role as role models for the rest of the school. They pride themselves on demonstrating good behaviour and upholding the school rules and Christian Values.

Children 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. We have visits from local Police officers to reinforce their understanding.

During Religious Education the children learn about other faith and belief systems and consider the rules that govern those. Other school subjects provide opportunities for children to appreciate and understand the importance of rules - in a PE lesson for example.

 

 

 

INDIVIDUAL LIBERTY

At Prestbury St Mary’s Federation individual liberty sits within the framework of being part Team Prestbury, where we all have responsibilities to one another. Our children learn about helping others in a kind and caring environment so they carry these qualities forward into adult life.

Within school, children are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. We promote freedom of choice and the right to respectfully express views and beliefs. Children are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised to exercise these safely, for example through our Anti-Bullying, E-safety and PSHE lessons.

We support children to develop their self-knowledge, self-esteem and self-confidence through all areas of teaching and learning in school.

Stereotypes in school are challenged and children are encouraged to take responsibility for their behaviour, as well as knowing their rights.

 

MUTUAL RESPECT

We aim to develop an understanding in every pupil of respect for a wide range of religious values, languages and cultural traditions and different ways of life.

Children across the school are involved in supporting a range of charities, both local and national such as Open Door Homeless Charity, Cheltenham Animal Sanctuary, Children in Need and the NSPCC. The school community also responds to immediate need such as the recent conflict in Ukraine, when the school council held a bring and buy sale to raise money for refugees. We respect members of our community as individuals with rights and we always challenge stereotypes.

Our children understand that it is expected that respect is shown to everyone, irrespective of whatever differences they may have. Children learn that their behaviour choices have an effect on their own rights and those of others.

We will always challenge prejudicial or discriminatory behaviour e.g. through discussions as well as our approach to behaviour in school.

The curriculum is used to maximum effect to enhance pupil's understanding and respect for their own, and other, faiths and beliefs.

 

TOLERANCE

Our school recognises and values every one of its members, regardless of their ability, gender, faith, heritage, sexuality, disability, social or economic status. This is great preparation for life in modern Britain. We aim to develop an understanding in every pupil of respect for a wide range of religious values, languages and cultural traditions and different ways of life.

Our children understand that it is expected that respect is shown to everyone, irrespective of whatever differences they may have. Children learn that their behaviour choices have an effect on their own rights and those of others.

We will always challenge prejudicial or discriminatory behaviour e.g. through discussions as well as our approach to behaviour in school.

The curriculum is used to maximum effect to enhance pupil's understanding and respect for their own, and other, faiths, beliefs and cultures.