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The Department for Education state that there is a 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.” Here at St Barnabas Primary we are dedicated to promoting British Values and to ensure we prepare our pupils to be global citizens of the future.
Democracy is embedded at the school. Pupils are always listened to by adults and are taught to listen to and acknowledge different opinions through Speaking and Listening activities. Pupils also can give opinions and ideas through our Academy Council. The elections of the Academy Council members are based solely on pupil votes, reflecting our British electoral system and demonstrating democracy in action.
The Academy Council is genuinely able to influence change within the school.
The importance of rules and laws for the class, the school or the country, are reinforced. All rules are clearly understood by all so that all children can learn in a safe and happy environment. Also, within our computing curriculum there is an emphasis on E-Safety which as part of it teaches how to be respectful to other users of the Internet.
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 our pupils to make choices safely, through the provision of a safe environment and an empowering education. Our pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised how to exercise these safely; examples of this can be clearly seen in our clubs, over-night residential visits and PSHE lessons.
Respect is one of the core values of our school and it is deeply embedded in our academy rules; class codes of conduct and all that we do at the school. The pupils know and understand that it is expected and imperative that respect is shown to everyone, whatever differences we may have.
We enhance pupils understanding of different faiths and beliefs through religious education studies and Collective Worship. Beliefs, traditions and customs are studied in depth. Through this our pupils gain an enhanced understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society.
The promotion of British Values is embedded in our PSHE scheme of worship and Collective Worship planning. The PSHE scheme of work and Collective Worship follow the same half termly themes: Being Me in the World; Celebrating Differences; Dreams and Goals; Healthy Me; Relationships and Changes.
Have a look at our British Values work we have completed in our lessons.