British Values

Promoting British Values at Benjamin Hargreaves CE Primary School

Background

The DfE have 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 sets out its definition of British values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy.

Benjamin Hargreaves is a Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School whose Anglican foundation is governed by its Trust Deed and the above British Values which reflect our Christian values are reinforced in collective worship, assemblies and through the Curriculum.

Democracy:

Democracy is demonstrated extensively within our School. Pupils have the opportunity to have their voices heard through our Pupil Parliament, Pupil Voice, Learning Conferences and pupil questionnaires. The elections of Class leaders for the Pupil Parliament, Head Boy and Head Girl, are based solely on pupil votes. Our pupils also vote for sports leaders each term who help to support members of staff during PE and playtimes.

The Rule of Law:

The importance of Laws, whether they be those that affect the class, School, or our country, are reinforced in school assemblies, collective worship, PSHE, RE and other aspects of the curriculum. Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind laws: and how they govern and protect us; the responsibilities that these impose and the consequences when laws are broken. Visits to and visitors from authorities such as the Police, Fire Service, paramedics etc. are regular parts of our school calendar and help reinforce this message.

Individual Liberty:

As a School we educate and provide boundaries for our pupils to make choices through the provision of a safe environment. In our most recent Ofsted Report Inspectors stated,

’Parents who responded to the online questionnaire or spoke to Inspectors expressed positive views, saying their children are happy, well looked after and kept safe. Behaviour and safety are good. Pupils feel safe and secure because they are well cared for, particularly those whose circumstances make them vulnerable.’

Our pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and advised how to do so these safely, through our cross curricular teaching of online safety, Computing and PSHE.

Mutual Respect:

School promotes respect for others and this is modelled by all staff within School and reinforced through class rules and our School Promise. Our School Ethos is based on our 12 Core Values – Respect and Truth, Thankfulness, Love, Peace, Courage, Hope, Friendship, Forgiveness, Kindness, Compassion, Self-discipline. We have a focus value each half term which underpins daily acts of collective worship.

Respect for Different Faiths and Beliefs:

This is promoted through enhancing pupils’ understanding of their place in a multi-cultural society and by providing opportunities to experience diversity. School works closely with parents and the community to ensure inclusivity. Children learn about World faiths in

RE and members of different faiths are encouraged to share their beliefs and practices to enhance pupils’ understanding.

Pupils visit a range of ‘places of worship’ as part of RE lessons throughout their time within School.