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British Values

 

The Department of Education 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 were reiterated in 2014.

At Greenvale we understand that our pupils come from a culturally diverse society. We aim to teach them how this relates to daily life, including being respectful towards others. These values and aims are reinforced regularly through our spiritual, moral and cultural education, which is at the heart of everything we do. We recognise that these values support the development of the 'whole' child and are promoted by all staff and reinforced regularly in the following ways:

Democracy

All children are treated fairly and have an equal right to express their views and be listened to. Our pupils have the opportunity to be heard through our school council and through pupil questionnaires. Children are involved in democratic processes e.g. voting for school councillors in a ballot which introduces the children to the prinicipal of democratic elections.

The Rule of Law

We consistently reinforce our high expectations of our children. They are taught the value and reasons behind our expectations, that they are there to protect us, that everyone has a responsibility and that there are consequences when expectations are not followed.

Visits from authorities such as the police reinforce the message that we all have a responsibility to follow laws and that there are consequences when laws are broken.

Individual Liberty

Within school, children are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe, secure environment. At Greenvale, we educate and provide boundaries for our children to make choices safely, through provision of a safe environment and empowering education. Children are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms. They are advised how to exercise these safely through our online safety policy and PSHE lessons.

Mutual Respect

Part of our school ethos and behaviour policy has revolved around our 'Values Based' education where values such as ‘Respect’ are taught and modelled. All staff help children to understand how to respect by talking about how actions and words can affect others. Children take part in discussions where they are expected to treat the opinions and views of others with respect, even if they differ from their own.

Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs

Greenvale is a diverse school with approximately 25% of the school coming from a country outside the UK. We actively promote diversity through our celebrations of different faiths and cultures. 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 and the children learn about and where possible visit, places of worship that are important to different faiths.

At Greenvale Primary School we will actively challenge pupils, staff or parents expressing opinions contrary to fundamental British Values, including ‘extremist’ views. We will also challenge racism and expect everyone within our community to respect British laws whilst supporting their own culture.