British Values
The Department for Education states that there is a 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 Department for Education defines British Values as follows:
- Respect for democracy and support or participation in the democratic process
- Respect for the basis on which the law is made and applies in England
- Support for equality of opportunity for all
- Support and respect for the liberties of all within the law
- Respect for and tolerance of different faiths and religious and other beliefs
At Hawthorn Primary School, we uphold and actively promote British values in the following ways:
Democracy:
Democracy is richly embedded within the school. Pupils have the opportunity to have their voices heard through class Circle Time sessions and our School Council. Our School Council are elected by all children who have the chance to vote for their preferred candidate. Through our behaviour for learning systems, all children from Reception to Year 6 are aware of school expectations and the rewards and sanctions that we use; these are also shared with parents and carers.
The Rule of Law:
Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind 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 are a regular part of our calendar events and help reinforce this message.
Individual Liberty:
Within 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 all pupils to make choices safely, through provision of a safe environment and an empowering approach through the education. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised how to exercise these safely, for example through our E-Safety and PSHE lessons.
Mutual Respect:
As a school which holds values at the core of its ethos, our school promotes Core Values such as ‘Respect’, and pupils have been part of discussions and whole school assemblies related to what this means and how it is shown. It is shared with home through newsletters and website information. Adults, throughout the school model, demonstrate and promote respect for others as do older children who have suitable, age related tasks and responsibilities and this is reiterated through our classroom and learning expectations, as well as our behaviour.
Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs:
At Hawthorn Primary School, we are a culturally rich and diverse school where children have unique opportunities to learn from each other by sharing and celebrating their different faiths and cultures. Members of different faiths or religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school, through RE, PSHE lessons and whole school assemblies.