The DfE has 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 this year.
At Haughton these values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways:
Promotion of Fundamental British Values
Haughton School has British Values at the heart of its ethos and curriculum. We actively promote them and challenge those who contradict them in word or actions.
Our School Values encapsulate those of Britain. They are clear, unequivocal and phrased to enable our children to understand them. These are:
- Be kind and support each other
- Listen to one another
- Treat everyone fairly
- Try our best and let others do the same
- Always care for the school and the equipment / resources
Our School Aims also reflect British Values:
- To help each child develop their academic, social and practical abilities to their highest level.
- To help each child achieve self-confidence, initiative and independence.
- To create a caring, sharing and learning school community with relationships based on mutual trust and respect.
In addition:
To promote Democracy:
Surveys of children, parents and staff are carried out at least annually to gather opinions about all aspects of the school and results influence the school improvement plan.
The school operates a system of Restorative Justice to resolve conflicts in peaceful and fair ways. Every person involved has a voice in this process.
In PSHE children are given general knowledge of public institutions and services and how these are held to account.
In all lessons and through the school council children are encouraged to express and argue their points of view in an atmosphere of respect.
To promote the Rule of Law:
Children are actively taught to distinguish between right and wrong, and to make reparation as needed.
Children are taught that there are positive and negative consequences to their actions, and that breaking school rules has clear and predictable outcomes, as with British law.
When school rules are discussed, children can see how they are designed to protect everyone in the school community.
We work in partnership with the police to give advice on personal safety but also to reinforce messages that some activities are illegal and what the consequences might be.
An emphasis on sports, and the rules of team games in particular, promote awareness of the necessity of laws.
Individual Liberty:
Our school aims to help each child achieve self-confidence, initiative and independence.
We actively teach children to take responsibility for their behaviour as well as knowing their rights.
We challenge stereotypes in all areas of the curriculum.
We are truly inclusive, so that all children can participate fully in all areas of the curriculum.
Bullying, though rare, is taken very seriously and addressed swiftly and sensitively.
Freedom of speech, and the responsibilities that come with that, are modelled through child participation that ensures protection of vulnerable individuals.
Use of the Pupil Survey ensures that all views are taken equally into account.
Respect and Tolerance:
The curriculum and ethos promotes respect for individual difference.
World Culture is addressed through the International Primary Curriculum. R.E is taught as a standalone subject including visits to different places of worship, celebration of festivals such as Diwali and Eid which enables the children to experience and understand a range of faiths.
Prejudicial or discriminatory behaviour is challenged and recorded, with children made aware of the seriousness of such incidents.