British Values
British Values Statement
The Prevent Duty became law in 2015 and it stated that all schools and childcare providers must have due regard to the need to prevent people being drawn into terrorism.
The government has defined extremism in the Prevent strategy as: “vocal or active opposition to fundamental British Values, including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs."
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”.
At High Oakham Primary School, we value the ethnic backgrounds of all pupils and families and undertake a variety of events and lessons to celebrate and explore these, alongside other cultures in our country. We teach a themed curriculum which links with the national curriculum and incorporates the interests of pupils and supports them in becoming good local, national and global citizens of the future. Our curriculum provides excellent opportunities to deepen and strengthen understanding developing the spiritual, moral, social and cultural education of our children.
Our school reflects British values in all that we do. We ensure that the fundamental British values are introduced, discussed and lived out through the ethos and work of the school. We nurture our pupils on their journey through life, so they grow in to caring, responsible and tolerant adults who make a positive difference to British society and to the wider world. We encourage them to be creative, unique, open-minded and independent individuals, respectful of themselves and others in our school, our local community and beyond.
The fundamental British values are democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.
At High Oakham Primary School, we actively promote British values in the following ways:
Democracy
Pupils are encouraged to debate topics of interest, express their views and make a meaningful contribution to the running of the school. They can do this in several ways e.g. Talking points sessions; curriculum planning; school council; reading ambassadors, Eco ambassadors, Mini Police, Wellbeing Warriors, class ambassadors, playground pals, sports council, questionnaires and surveys; assemblies.
Rule of Law
We have a clear positive behaviour policy which helps pupils to make good choices about their behaviour. We adhere to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and each class draws up a classroom rules together at the beginning of the school year. Pupils are helped to distinguish right from wrong, in the classroom, during assemblies and in the playground. This is supported by a Restorative Justice approach. Pupils are encouraged to respect the law and High Oakham Primary enjoys visits from services such as the Police, Fire and Ambulance services to help reinforce the message. Our Year 6 children take part in the Dare 25 programme which supports them to make the right choices and our Year 5 children have the opportunity to be a part of the Mini Police initiative run by Nottinghamshire Police experiencing what the police profession do through their careers and how their role impacts on the communities we live in.
Individual Liberty
At school, pupils are encouraged, and given the freedom to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment, e.g. Challenging themselves in their learning. They are supported to develop self-knowledge, self-confidence and a growth mind set in all areas of school life. Pupils are taught to understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms in a safe way, e.g. Talking points sessions. They have key responsibilities in school like being a Playground Buddy or a library ambassador.
Mutual Respect and Tolerance of Those with Different Faiths and Beliefs
Being respectful is one of our life and learning values. Pupils understand that respect is shown to everyone, both adults and children. We help them to develop an understanding of, and respect for, their own and other cultures. Staff and pupils are encouraged to challenge prejudicial or discriminatory behaviour. Links with local faith communities and visits to places of worship is promoted and people from different faiths are invited to school to share their experiences in assemblies and in class. Through the PSHE and RE curriculum pupils are encouraged to discuss and respect differences and similarities between people. We offer a culturally rich and diverse curriculum in which all major religions are studied.
Our duty to safeguard children from radicalisation and extremism through adherence to 'The Prevent Strategy' ensures that any dissent or opposition to these fundamental British Values is not tolerated at High Oakham Primary School.
