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 were reiterated by the Prime Minister last year. At Cusgarne School these values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways:
Democracy:
Democracy is richly embedded within the school. Pupils are encouraged to voice opinion, offer suggestions and support each other in a fair and democratic way. The school council is re-elected each year by the pupils, nominating at least one representative from each year group. Roles and responsibilities are undertaken by older pupils, including being Buddies, school librarians, playground and school team leaders.
Our positive behaviour policy includes a reward and sanction scheme which is agreed by staff and pupils and is reviewed regularly.
The Rule of Law:
The importance of Laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced throughout regular school days, as well as when dealing with behaviour and through school collective worship time. 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, Fire Service, Coast and Lifeguards 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, PSHE lessons and Challenge Days. Pupils are given the freedom to make a wide range of choices by attending extra-curricular clubs and activities, and by suggesting, running and supporting fund raising events.
Mutual Respect:
Through our core values (based upon the five C’s – Commitment, Courtesy, Care, Creativity and Consideration), we work together in order to make the Most of Every Moment.
Respect for one another and others is embedded in all aspects of school and reinforced through collect worship, circle times and specific PSHE lessons. All adults act as role models to uphold the school values,
Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs:
At Cusgarne School we are a school where children have opportunities to learn from each other by sharing and celebrating different faiths and cultures. Leaders and visiting speakers from the community are invited into school to work with the children or to make presentations during assemblies and collective worship. Discussions involving prejudices and prejudice-based bullying are supported by learning in RE and PSHE.
Children are kept informed about wider world issues, differences, diversity and news by selective use of the internet and regular access to ‘Newsround’.
