Promoting British Values at Wibsey Primary School
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’s definition of British values was set out in the 2011 Prevent Strategy, with these values being reiterated in 2014. At Wibsey Primary School these values are reinforced regularly and we explore the meaning of British Values and how they might apply to everyday life in the following ways:
Everybody at Wibsey Primary School has a say and a voice and we create change for the better through working together and talking about what we want to achieve together. Each year the children decide upon their class charter and the rights associated with these. All the children contribute to the drawing up of the charter. We have an active student council which meets every month with the Head teacher to discuss issues raised in class council meetings. The council has its own budget and is genuinely able to effect change within the school, for example the request from the school council to support a local food bank resulted in a whole school event raising money for a local food bank. Every child on the student council is voted in by their class. The curriculum and events such as mock elections provide opportunities for pupils to develop their understanding of democracy and the parliamentary system of government.
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 Wibsey Primary School. Pupils are taught from an early age to recognise right and wrong and to understand the consequence of their actions. Pupils are taught that laws are for everyone, that they keep us safe and protect people and the consequences when laws are broken. Respect for the law is developed through pupils’ understanding of the importance of following school rules: classroom rules, playground rules and safety rules. Visits from authorities such as the Police and Fire Service help reinforce this message.
At Wibsey Primary 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 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 is at the heart of our values. Children learn that their behaviours have an effect on their own rights and those of others. Together we are one community and all members of the school community treat each other with mutual respect.
Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs
Wibsey Primary School is an increasingly diverse school. We actively promote diversity through our celebrations of different faiths and cultures. We encourage pupils to be reflective about their own beliefs and those of others. Religious Education lessons and PSHE lessons reinforce messages of tolerance and respect for others. Members of different faiths and religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school. The children visit places of worship that are important to different faiths.
At Wibsey Primary School we will actively challenge pupils, staff or parents who express opinions contrary to fundamental British values, including any views that are of an ‘extreme’ nature.