Values
Promoting British Values
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 by the Prime Minister in 2014. At Swallowfield Primary these values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways:
Democracy:
Pupils have the opportunity to have their voices heard through our Whole School and Key Stage Assemblies, Pupil Questionnaires and School Parliament meetings. Our School Behaviour policy and Values Education involve rewards and sanctions which the pupils reflect on and adhere to.
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 collective worship time. 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 and Fire Service are a regular part 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 the provision of a safe environment and empowering education. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and they are advised how to exercise these safely, for example through our E-Safety and PSHE lessons. Pupils are further empowered through having a School Parliament and also having their voice heard at the whole school meetings. Examples of this are through choice of challenge, choice of how they record, participation in our extra-curricular clubs and opportunities. These are all age related experiences e.g. year fours choosing a responsible position such as looking after the younger children at playtimes through the ‘Buddies’ system. A further example is where the foundation stage children have the opportunity to choose their extended learning through adult guided initiated play.
Mutual Respect
As a Values School part of our school Values and Behaviour policy have revolved around Core Values such as ‘Respect’, and pupils have been part of discussions and have found out what this means and how it is shown. Respect is one of our values taught explicitly within lessons, collective worship and is shared with home through newsletters and website information. This is further highlighted in our work with our partnership schools. Adults around the school promote respect for others as do older children who have suitable, age related, tasks and responsibilities and this is reiterated through our classroom and learning rules, as well as through our behaviour policy, Spiritual, Moral Social and Cultural development and Values September 2014. We further develop respect by ensuring that there are many visits, trips and opportunities for children to learn all about other faiths, creeds and cultures not just in this country but around the world.
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 giving them opportunities to experience such diversity. This is incredibly important in today’s society. With a view to expand the knowledge, understanding and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs the school is undertaking a review of our curriculum. Collective worship 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.
British Values – a guide for parents
Statement on British Values-Swallowfield 2023
Values Education
Swallowfield Primary is a Values based school.
It is our Values that determine our thinking and behaviour. Through a Values-based Education, a positive culture for teaching and learning is created which is based upon valuing ourselves, each other and the environment. Our School Values support the development of the whole child. These can be nurtured to help people discover the very best of themselves, which enables them to be good citizens and prepare them for the life of work.
With a broad and balanced curriculum our Values help to promote the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of the pupils at our school. By ensuring this, we are actively promoting fundamental British Values.
‘Values based Education’ creates a better learning environment, in which pupils are able to attain better academic results. It equips pupils with social capacities that help them work with, and relate to others effectively. It also provides them with the self-esteem and confidence to explore and develop their full potential.
Our values run on a two- year cycle with one value for each month. We promote these values as part of the daily curriculum and as well as teaching the children about each value, we strive to use these values in every aspect of school life – from the classroom to the playground. You as parents have been very supportive to both us and your children in promoting the values at home. Please keep checking the newsletter for the values being highlighted and helping us to provide a consistent approach between home and school.
Here is a list of the values that we follow for 2023/2024:
|
September |
Courage |
|
October |
Tolerance |
|
November |
Understanding |
|
December |
Patience |
|
January |
Quality |
|
February |
Appreciation |
|
March |
Humility |
|
April |
Unity |
|
May |
Hope |
|
June |
Care |
|
July |
Reflection |
