Burton Church of England British Values Statement.
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."
Burton Church of England Primary School is committed to serving its community and surrounding areas. It recognises the multi-cultural, multi-faith and ever-changing nature of the United Kingdom, and therefore those it serves. It also understands the vital role it has in ensuring that groups or individuals within the school are not subjected to intimidation or radicalisation by those wishing to unduly, or illegally, influence them.
Our school, accepts admissions from all those entitled to an education under British law, including pupils of all faiths or none. It follows the policies outlined by its governing body regarding equal opportunities, which guarantee that there will be no discrimination against any individual or group, regardless of faith, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, political or financial status, or similar. It seeks to serve all.
The Government emphasises that schools are required to ensure that key ‘British Values’ are taught in all UK schools. The government set out its definition of British values in the ‘Prevent Strategy’ - values of:
• Democracy
• The rule of law
• Individual liberty
• Mutual respect
• Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs
Democracy
Democracy is common within the school where the promotion of democratic processes, fostering the concept and application of freedom of speech and group action to address needs and concerns, are heard through our School Pupil Governors, Play Leaders and through pupil questionnaires. Also key to this is the concept of holding others to account, including those in positions of authority and influence. Our school behaviour policy also involves rewards, the choice of which pupils are involved with.
The Rule of Law
The importance of laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced throughout regular school days, as well as when dealing with behaviour and through school worship/assemblies. 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.
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 young pupils to make choices safely, through provision of a safe environment and empowering education. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms) and are advised how to exercise these safely; for example through E-Safety and PSHE lessons. Whether it is through choice of challenge, of how they record, where they work, how they present their learning outcomes or participation in our numerous extra-curricular clubs and opportunities, all pupils are given the freedom to make choices.
Mutual Respect
Part of our school ethos and behaviour policy has revolved around our core Christian values such as ‘Reverence’ a special form of respect, ‘Friendship’ and ‘Compassion’. Pupils have been part of discussions and assemblies related to what these values mean and how they are shown. These ideas are reiterated through the school and classroom rules, as well as our behaviour policy. Additional support is provided for individual pupils, through ELSA and Pastoral Care work. This support helps to develop self-esteem and to practise strategies pupils can employ to help improve their respect of others.
Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs
This is achieved through enhancing pupils’ understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society and by providing opportunities to experience such diversity. Assemblies and discussions involving prejudices and prejudice-based bullying have been followed and supported by learning in RE and PSHE. Members of different faiths or religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school. Through a wide range of activities, the school secures such standards and uses strategies within the National Curriculum and beyond to secure such outcomes for children.
Studies:
Developing the skill base required to access/share information, make/express decisions and apply themselves to society and the world. These include the understanding and use of money, effective writing and reading skills, collaborative work, to discuss and research ideas and concepts, and gain a broad and balanced understanding of the society in which they live. Aspects of study beyond core skills include historical and geographical context of the United Kingdom, incorporating local and national evolution, as well as international comparisons. Our school makes the best use of opportunities as they arise, for children to learn about events in the past which have shaped the future. At the start of the 2014 academic year, all children were involved in classroom activities that focussed their thinking on Remembrance in order to mark the centenary of the beginning of the First World War. This was linked with a special whole school worship at church and a two minute reflective silence by all staff and pupils. Members of the armed forces where able to attend, some, fathers of children at the school. Throughout our taught curriculum, children undertake a range of history topics about the development of Britain through different periods. As a whole school, we have celebrated both the Olympics and Paralympics and other national events including current Royal milestones.
Whole school daily acts of collective worship/assembly:
The sharing of stories, images, events, music and expectations that, with clarity and precision, promote the values expressed. Such proceedings vary in the methodology of delivery in order to secure interest and understanding and are designed to impact on children regardless of knowledge, experience or cognitive maturity. Collective worship recognises that those attending may have a wide range of faiths, or none. It is however, in line with regulation and is “wholly or mainly of a broadly Christian character”.
Religious Education:
Gaining a greater understanding of religious diversity and practices, which cover key religions represented in the UK. We use the Dorset Agreed syllabus for RE and the JIGSAW materials to enhance PSHE teaching.
Physical Education:
We actively promote the concept of ‘fair play’, following and developing rules, inclusion, celebrating and rewarding success, being magnanimous in defeat and participation in activities that promote kinship and affiliation with others. There are many opportunities for all pupils throughout their time in school, to participate in competitions and events which promote these values. For example, basketball, football, tag-rugby, netball, cricket and athletics tournaments as well as multi-skills events for younger KS1 pupils. All pupils participate in a range of physical and athletic activities within sports days. These take place within the school grounds, at other school facilities, as well as at local community playing fields.
Should you feel that the school is not meeting this requirement, you should contact the school office and request to express your concerns with the Headteacher. Likewise, if you feel that anyone working at the school is, intentionally or otherwise undermining these values, you should report this to the Headteacher.