The Department for Education state 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.”
At Blackhall Primary School these values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways:
Democracy
Children have many opportunities for their voices to be heard. We have a school council and Pupil Leadership group that meet regularly to discuss issues raised in class. The school council is able to genuinely effect change within the school. The council members for each year group are voted in by their class.
Children have an annual questionnaire with which they are able to put forward their views about the school.
Our Head Boy and Girl were selected by the children in Key Stage 2 after they applied for the position and carried out a presentation to children and staff. Children voted using a ballot paper.
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, as well as when dealing with behaviour 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 and Fire Service help reinforce this message.
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 young pupils to make choices safely, through of provision of a safe environment and empowering education. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and advise how to exercise these safely, for example through our E-Safety and PSHE lessons. Whether it be through choice of challenge, of how they record, of participation in our numerous extra-curricular clubs and opportunities, pupils are given the freedom to make choices.
Mutual Respect
Part of our school ethos and behaviour policy has revolved around values such as ‘Respect’, and pupils have been part of discussions and assemblies related to what this means and how it is shown. These assemblies, PSHCE lessons and other areas of the curriculum promote respect for others and this is reiterated through the work in the playground, classroom, learning skills and on the sports field, as well as our behaviour policy.
The pupils know and understand that it is expected and imperative that respect is shown to everyone, whatever differences we may have.
Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs
Our value of Respect ensures tolerance of those who have 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. Assemblies and discussions involving prejudices and prejudice-based bullying have been followed and supported by learning in RE and PSHCE.
Beliefs, traditions and customs are studied in depth, with visits to enrich and extend understanding (e.g. Hindu Temple). Through this our pupils gain an enhanced understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society.
