British Values
British Values at Hatch Warren Junior School
Since September 2014 schools have been required to actively promote fundamental British values to meet the new Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural (SMSC) education standard.
What are British values?
The document “Promoting fundamental British values as part of SMSC in schools” says “Schools should 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”.
Promoting British values at Hatch Warren Junior School
At Hatch Warren Junior School, the importance of Social, Moral, Spiritual and Cultural education in developing well-rounded citizens who contribute to society and improve their communities has always been recognised and promoted. British fundamental values have always been at the heart of what we do, although in the past they may not have been explicitly labelled as such. When the term ‘British’ values is used it is important to underline that this embraces the fact that we are a nation with a proud history of people of many different ethnic backgrounds, religious beliefs and secular values all living together in a plural society. Our school models this wider picture of inclusivity, freedom and equality, so our underpinning values are British to the core.
How do we promote these values?
The ways in which we achieve the requirement to promote British values are many. The document at the below indicates specifically where each of the aspects of British Values are addressed within the curriculum.
HWJS overview of where British values are taught within school.
Democracy
Democracy is embedded both in school activities and the history and purpose of democracy taught discretely through the Ancient Greek History unit. Pupils are listened to by adults and are taught to listen carefully and with concern to each other, respecting the right of every individual to have their opinions and for their voices to be heard. Pupils also have the opportunity to air their opinions and ideas through our School Council and through regular questionnaires pupil conferencing. The elections of the School Council members are based primarily on pupil votes, reflecting our British electoral system and demonstrating democracy in action. We will sometimes invite other representatives to join the school council to ensure that a variety of voices and opinions are able to be heard in school.
Democracy
The right to an opinion and a voice Valuing other people’s views and feelings Making decisions together
At school we
Vote for school councillors and Eco-councillors Complete pupil conferencing with teachers and governors Take turns, share and collaborate together Build an understanding of democracy Have links with our local council and MP Are asked questions in class
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The Rule of Law
Laws and rules are important within school, whether they are those that help individuals to work effectively as a class, or laws that apply across the country, they are consistently reinforced. Our school has a set of agreed rules, which are deeply embedded in our work every day. Each class discusses these rules at the start of each year to ensure that are clearly understood by all, and seen to be necessary, to ensure that every class member is able to learn in a safe and ordered environment. These are supported by the creation of class charters in each of the classes at the start of each new year. Our pupils are taught the value and reasons behind laws, the responsibilities that these laws bring and the consequences when laws are broken. In addition, pupils in upper school explore local councils, jobs and taxes. They also explore how most laws are made and how elections work.
The rule of law
Understanding rules and why they are important Following rules to ensure that order is maintained
At school we
Follow the school’s behaviour policy and class charters Have regular opportunities to reflect during our learning across the curriculum Practice rules in our learning both in and outside the classroom
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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 our pupils to make choices safely, through the provision of a safe environment and an empowering education. Our pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights (linked to the UNCRC) and personal freedoms and are advised how to exercise these safely; examples of this can be clearly seen in our ICT E-safety lessons and are our PSHE curriculum as a whole. Children are also encouraged to make choices about the level of challenge that they complete both in and out of the classroom and on occasions how they chose to record their outcomes. Furthermore pupils are provided with a variety of opportunities to participate in varied and numerous extra- curricular activities
Individual liberty
Freedom of speech
The right to make our own choices
At school we
Use our growth mind set in our learning
Understand our responsibilities in school (various class monitor jobs)
Are encouraged to make choices
Keep ourselves safe (including e-safety)
Follow school rules and behaviour policy
Discuss ideas with our school councillors and eco-councillors
Choose the after school clubs that we wish to attend
Mutual Respect
Pupils know and understand that it is expected and imperative that respect is shown to everyone, whatever differences we may have. Through debate and discussions pupils learn how to respect and value others opinions and how to actively voice their own views in a respectful way.
Mutual Respect
Treat each other as we would want to be treated Show respect for each other Work together At school we Learn how to make friends Listen to one another Are helpful, fair and keep the school rules Discuss and debate various topics in our learning Encourage and model positive relationships (behaviour ambassadors and young leaders) Create class charters Practice respect in our learning inside and outside the classroom
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Tolerance of Those with Different Faiths and Beliefs
Hatch Warren Junior School welcomes people of all backgrounds and enhances pupils understanding of different faiths and beliefs through religious education studies, PSHE and RE study. Traditions and customs are studied in depth, with visitors being invited in to our school, and trips to enrich and extend understanding. Through this our pupils gain an enhanced understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society.
Tolerance
Learning about diversity Learning about different cultures Listening to the viewpoints of others At school we Learn about different cultures during our RE lessons, assemblies and from our peers Celebrate different festivals across the year Practice tolerance and understanding inside and outside of the classroom
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