British Values Statement
The definition of British Values was set out by the government in the 2011 Prevent Strategy and added to Ofsted inspection guidance in July 2014:
‘To create and enforce a clear and rigorous expectation on all schools to promote fundamental British Values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.’
At St Thomas’ CE Primary School we uphold and teach pupils about the British Values through Personal, Social, Health and Emotional (PSHE), and Religious Education (RE). We also teach the British Values through planning and delivering a broad and balanced curriculum.
The school takes opportunities to actively promote British Values through our daily assemblies and whole school systems and structures such as electing and running a successful School Council. We also actively promote the British values through ensuring that our curriculum planning and delivery includes real opportunities for exploring these values. Actively promoting British Values also means challenging pupils, staff or parents expressing opinions contrary to fundamental British Values, including ‘extremist’ views.
At St Thomas’ CE Primary School these values are regularly promoted through high quality teaching, a rounded programme of assemblies and a positive behaviour policy allowing pupils to develop and demonstrate skills and attitudes that will allow them to participate fully in and contribute positively to life in modern Britain.
Democracy:
Democracy is an important value at our school. Pupils have the opportunity to have their voices heard through our School Council. The elections of members of the School Council are based on pupil votes. Each class elects two people to represent their views.
Rule of Law:
The importance of laws and rules, whether they are those that govern the class, the school or the country, are consistently reinforced throughout regular school days. 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 etc. are regular parts of our calendar and help reinforce this message.
We have a strong but positive behaviour policy. Pupils learn about consequences of actions, right & wrong. Through this we consistently promote our high expectations of all at St Thomas’ CE Primary School. The children understand that if they break school rules or treat others unkindly, there will be consequences.
Liberty:
Pupils are actively encouraged to make choices at our school, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. As a school we provide boundaries for our children to make choices safely, through the provision of a safe environment and planned curriculum. 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 teaching and PSHE lessons. Pupils are given the freedom to make choices, e.g. signing up for extra-curricular clubs, being involved with setting their own targets etc. They are given opportunities to resolve conflicts effectively, and are supported by staff when needed.
Tolerance of those of different Faiths and Beliefs: We are a Church of England school, but our community is made up of people from a wide range of backgrounds. We aim to promote the understanding and appreciation of different faiths and cultures both within our school and the wider world. We actively promote courtesy and good manners towards all. We actively monitor and tackle all forms of bullying and harassment (This includes cyber bullying, prejudice-based bullying related to appearance, SEN (Special Educational Needs), gender, race, religion and belief and disability).
Mutual respect:
Caring, sharing and listening to others. We believe that respect for others is a vital component of moral development. We encourage open discussions in all areas but particularly in lessons which promote citizenship such as PSHE. We actively support all to develop their own reasoned views about moral and ethical issues. We encourage all pupils to understand that they have rights and responsibilities as citizens within St Thomas’ School and the wider community, regularly supporting a range of local and national charity appeals.