British Values

Promoting Fundamental British Values.

The DfE have recently 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, and these values have been reiterated by the Prime Minister.

At Nyewood Church of England Junior School these values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways:

Democracy:

The promotion of democracy is extensive within the school. Pupils have the opportunity to have their voices heard through our School Council and our Ambassadors. Children in each class vote for the children they want to represent them on the School Council. Our school Ambassadors are voted for by the whole school community. Children are consulted and contribute to the development of school policies that are brought to them in the School Council meetings. Each year the children in each class work collaboratively to decide a set of expectations in the form of ‘Class Rules’. These are written and signed by the children and displayed in class. These children meet regularly with staff and governors to express the views of all of the children. Our children are given the opportunity to discuss the content of the curriculum in order to ensure they are fully engaged and feel an important part of what we do at Nyewood CE Junior School.

The Rule of Law:

From day one 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 worship times. 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. Our Christian Values are discussed and permeate through the curriculum and school life. They are our expectations of everyone in the school community. The children shape the roles and responsibilities they have around the school and apply for positions of responsibility in the school ranging from Sports Leaders and classroom monitors to House Captains. Visits from authorities such as the Police and Fire Service are regular parts of our calendar and 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, through 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. Pupils are given the freedom to make choices, for example signing up for extra-curricular clubs, choosing the level of challenge in some lessons and deciding what to present at class assemblies to parents.

Mutual Respect and acceptance of those with Different Faiths and Beliefs

As a Church of England school, our ethos is based around core Christian values, including respect. Our aims ‘Moving Forward… Learning together… Growing in God’s love…” are firmly based on the value of love and respect, which permeates all aspects of school life, including our school improvement plan and behaviour policy. This is supported by our values led worship which encourages the children to contribute their own reflections and questions. Through the School Council we help the children choose where their support is needed most and take into account both local charities and global issues when fundraising. We have been extremely successful in raising money for charities such as Children in Need, Sport Relief and Chestnut Tree House, a local charity chosen by our school community.