British Values
Promoting British Values
The DfE outlined 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 were reiterated in 2014.
At Falkland Primary School, we provide opportunities for pupils to explore their own culture and have a clear understanding and appreciation of a wide range of cultural influences that have shaped modern Britain. We encourage all children to be tolerant and respectful to those of different faiths and beliefs. This is done by providing the children with an understanding of main festivals and key dates of significant to British Culture. e.g. Remembrance Day, the King's Birthday and major political events, such as elections.
We ‘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 also recognise that these values are not solely exclusive to Britain and that these values have developed in Britain through a process over a substantial period of time. We also recognise that these values can only be maintained and developed by active engagement of citizens in democratic, lawful and respectful institutions and processes, of which our Primary School is one element.
Democracy
Each year the children decide upon their class agreement and the rights associated with these. The governors have an annual questionnaire where they ask Year 6 about their views of the school.
The Rule of Law
The importance of laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced at Falkland Primary. Pupils are taught from an early age the rules of the school. Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind rules and 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
At Falkland Primary, 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 informed choices, through a safe environment and an empowering education. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and advised how to exercise these safely, for example through our eSafety and PSHE lessons.
Mutual Respect
Mutual respect is at the heart of our school. Children learn that their behaviours have an effect on their own rights and those of others. All members of the school community treat each other with respect.
Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs
Religious Education lessons and PSHE lessons reinforce messages of tolerance and respect for others. At Falkland Primary we promote and celebrate our different backgrounds and beliefs. Tolerance, inclusiveness and mutual respect are at the heart of our aims and ethos. Our Vision of preparing children to make a positive contribution to society drives us towards ensuring that our pupils are able to live and work alongside people from all backgrounds and cultures. This will be particularly necessary in the future where technological advances will make the world a smaller place.