How are we promoting British Values at Angel Road Junior School?

The government set out its definition of British values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy. The DfE have recently reinforced the need for 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 Angel Road Junior School these values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways:

Democracy:

Democracy is promoted within the school. Pupils have the opportunity to have their voices heard through our School Council, eco- council and Annual pupil questionnaires. The School Council & eco-council are voted for by pupils of each class. Every child within the school is a member of a ‘house’, prospective ‘house captains’ put forward their manifesto and are voted for by the house members. Yr5 visit the council chambers, meet the Mayor, and learn about the local democratic system.

The Rule of Law:

The importance of laws, whether they are those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced throughout school, particularly through our successful behaviour policy and through our value themed school assemblies. Pupils are encouraged to understand the difference between right and wrong, to understand rules and responsibilities, to know that laws protect us and keep us safe, and the consequences when laws are broken. Visits from authorities such as the Police and Fire Service help reinforce these messages. Children take a role in supporting our behaviour policy by training as peer mediators. We work closely with parents, sharing our behaviour policy, and making sure that they have a clear understanding of our system and the positive role they can play by supporting it at home.

Individual Liberty:

Within school, pupils are actively encouraged to make positive choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. As a school we educate and provide boundaries for pupils to make choices safely, through our provision of a secure environment and empowering education, for example through our E-Safety and PSHE lessons. Whether it be through expressing personal opinions, making decisions about personal projects or playground activities, or participation in our numerous extra-curricular clubs and opportunities, pupils are given the freedom to make their own choices. Home school agreements give children the opportunity to take personal responsibility for their own behaviour and the choices they make. Residential visits in Yr4 & Yr6 create environments where children are further encouraged to be independent & take responsibility for their own actions and decisions.

Mutual Respect:

The development of our school ethos and behaviour policy has revolved around creating positive relationships within an atmosphere of respect and learning. Our Code of Conduct fosters respect for others and this is reiterated in all areas of school. Our high quality PE curriculum promotes the concept of ‘fair play’. It also teaches children to participate in activities, follow and develop rules, celebrate and reward successes yet be gracious in defeat. Throughout our school we celebrate equality and diversity, and through our PSHE curriculum and ethos of the school, pupils understand that ‘we are all different, and we are all special’ and that we have a respect for all. We regularly support a wide range of charities, some chosen by the children themselves, and this further reinforces our ethos of respect and helping others. Through links with the local community, for example, Philadelphia residential home gardening group, children have the opportunity to meet people from a range of backgrounds and ages and develop a mutual respect.

Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs:

Should you feel that the school is not meeting this government requirement, you should discuss concerns with the Headteacher. Likewise, if you feel that anyone working at the school is, intentionally of otherwise undermining these values, you should report this to the Headteacher.

This is achieved through enhancing pupils understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society and by giving them opportunities to experience such diversity. We are aware of developing curriculum resources which reflect a range of cultures and faiths alongside our History and Geography learning, for example, Yr6 celebrate Black History month. We regularly hold assemblies around values and discussions about bullying have been followed and supported by communication with parents, learning in RE and PSHE. Members of different faiths, religions and languages are often invited to share their knowledge in order to enhance learning within classes and the school, and we have a link with an organisation called ‘Global Voice’ Collective worship is non-denominational and recognises that those attending may have a range of faiths or none. It is however, “wholly or mainly of a broadly Christian character”. Collective worship also celebrates important celebrations and events for major religions and faiths throughout the year. Through our rich music curriculum, the children experience music and songs from a wide range of cultures, and all children have the opportunity to play the steel pans.