Promoting British Values at The Reginald Mitchell Primary School
The DfE have recently 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 have been reiterated this year. At The Reginald Mitchell Primary School these values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways:
Democracy
The class council meets to discuss ideas and issues on a given agenda. The representatives meet at least once a month to discuss the class council outcomes. These are usually forwarded to the Associate Head. As a result of school council meetings, equipment has been purchased; e.g. an outdoor clock. They have been fundamental in the development of the behaviour system in school e.g. setting up a reward shop. Children recently helped to influence the decision about the new school badge. The children have been involved in giving their thoughts to the learning environment and how it could be improved upon. This is recorded and fed back to the Senior Leadership Team.
In addition to this, children complete an annual questionnaire where they are able to put forward their views about the school.
The Rule of Law
The importance of laws, whether they are those that govern the class, the school, or the country, is consistently reinforced at The Reginald Mitchell Primary School. Pupils are taught from an early age the rules of the school. These are our Golden Rules. Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind rules and 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 and Fire Service help reinforce this message. ‘Rules’, ‘Right are Wrong’ and ‘Laws’ are taught and embedded as part of the school’s PSHCE scheme of work which is delivered throughout the whole school.
Individual Liberty
At The Reginald Mitchell Primary School, pupils are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. As an school we educate and provide boundaries for young pupils to make informed choices, through a safe environment and an empowering education. Pupils are given the freedom to make choices, for example, whether it is through choice of challenge, or simply by choosing to participate in our numerous extra-curricular clubs and opportunities. Our challenge homework projects allow children to partake in activities that interest them and present them in interesting ways.
Mutual Respect
Part of our school ethos and behaviour policy has revolved around Core Values such as 'Respect', and pupils have been part of discussions and assemblies related to what this means and how it is shown. The school ethos and aims promote respect for others and this is reiterated through our classroom and Golden Rules, as well as our behaviour policy. Bullying has been an area whereby the school has placed a strong focus and provided children with a variety of assemblies and work during Anti-bullying week to help them to reflect upon and understand the impact of bullying others.
Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs
The Reginald Mitchell Primary School is a diverse school. We actively promote diversity through our celebrations of different faiths and cultures through projects such as Multi- cultural week. Religious Education lessons and PSHE lessons reinforce messages of tolerance and respect for others. Members of different faiths and religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school.
