British Values
At Southcote Primary School we actively promote the British Values of:
- Democracy
- the rule of law
- individual liberty
- mutual respect and tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs
We believe that the promotion and teaching of these values actively prepares our children for adult life. The promotion of British Values also supports the requirement placed on schools to implement the Prevent strategy. This is through our SMSC (Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural) Education and is embedded in our everyday life in school.
Southcote Primary promotes and celebrates values each month and awards are given to those children who demonstrate that value in their day to day lives. The values are: friendship, tolerance, reflection, appreciation, happiness, love, charity, cooperation, vision, respect and responsibility.
Southcote’s curriculum is designed to provide many opportunities for the children to explore British Values. Some of the ways in which this is done are detailed below:
Democracy – What do we do?
Provide pupils with a broad general knowledge of, and promote respect for, public institutions and services
Teach pupils how they can influence decision-making through the democratic process
Include in the curriculum information on the advantages and disadvantages of democracy and how it works in Britain
Encourage pupils to become involved in decision-making processes and ensure they are listened to in school
Hold ‘mock elections’ so pupils learn how to argue and defend points of view (KS2)
Help pupils to express their views
Model how perceived injustice can be peacefully challenged
Democracy is shown through history topics such as the Vikings and Saxons
Circle Time and discussion groups
Membership of school council
Pupil questionnaires to gain pupil voice
Rule of Law – What do we do?
Ensure school rules and expectations are clear and fair
Classroom Code of Conduct – Diamond Rules
Class rules and celebration of adhering to these rules
Valuing and awarding high attendance
Help pupils to distinguish right from wrong
Help pupils to respect the law and the basis on which it is made
Help pupils to understand that living under the rule of law protects individuals
Teach pupils aspects of both civil and criminal law and discuss how this might differ from some religious laws (Year 6)
Individual liberty – What do we do?
Support pupils to develop their self-knowledge, self-esteem and self-confidence
Encourage pupils to take responsibility for their behaviour, as well as knowing their rights
Model freedom of speech through pupil participation, while ensuring protection of vulnerable pupils and promoting critical analysis of evidence
Challenge stereotypes
Implement a strong anti-bullying culture
E-Safety through school
Children are actively encouraged to make the right choices
Explore feelings, rights and behaviour through R Time
Encourage children to take responsibility for their own actions and to understand the consequence their actions might have.
Teach the understanding of rights and responsibilities through acts of collective worship, e-safety and PSHCE.
Mutual respect and tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs – What do we do?
Promote respect for individual differences
Help pupils to acquire an understanding of, and respect for, their own and other cultures and ways of life
Challenge prejudicial or discriminatory behaviour
Organise visits to places of worship
Develop links with faith and other communities through RE and working alongside children and their families
Learning to disagree in a respectful way
Develop critical personal thinking skills
Work to the agreed Local area syllabus for RE
Participate in the REInspired workshops
Celebrate Black History Month
The curriculum
Staff regularly review the curriculum to ensure that it promotes the areas above. It also ensures that pupils are taught about key events and figures in history. Events during the year celebrate culturally diverse occasions and memorable events taking place in the country e.g. Remembrance Day. At Southcote Primary School we will actively challenge children, staff or parents who express opinions that are contrary to fundamental British values including extremist views.