British Values

Statement of British Values

The Department for Education sets 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.”

At Inkersall Primary Academy, we take our responsibility to prepare children for life in modern Britain very seriously. British values are introduced, understood and modelled throughout school practice and the expectations that we have for our pupils.

At the beginning of each school year children affirm the school’s expectations and the rights and responsibilities associated with school standards. Every pupil and staff member is expected to take individual responsibility for modelling British values within the school community.

The school curriculum is designed to introduce and explore British values across subject areas, while RE, SMSC, PSHE and Citizenship lessons provide opportunities to deepen and develop understanding. Children embrace these concepts with enthusiasm and demonstrate a good understanding of their application to their own lives.

The school makes considerable efforts to ensure children have exposure to a wide experience beyond their local community during which these concepts are shown, through for example, sporting events, a range of visits and speakers in school. The values-based understanding developed through our education practice gives children an excellent platform for embracing difference.

Mutual Respect and the tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs

Respect and responsibility are the key values that underpin curriculum delivery at Inkersall; and are integral to the way we support and care for each other, for the community and for the environment. We value the close, positive relationships between all adults and children, and see this as being key to enabling all children to access their learning, in a welcoming and safe environment.

Assemblies regularly cover the theme of ‘respect’, and pupils have been part of discussions related to what this means and how we show it.  Children learn that their behaviours have an effect on their own rights and those of others.  All members of the school community treat each other with respect.   When a child does well, their achievements are celebrated so that others can learn from their positive attitude and hard work.  Learning and effort are highly respected and the school maintains an overall focus on the development of a sense of worth and achievement in children.

The importance of mutual tolerance is developed by addressing pupils’ understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society and by educating them and giving them opportunities to experience different faiths and beliefs, be they similar or different to their own. We draw upon the rich cultural and social diversity within our school and use it to nurture our children and support positive relationship building within peer networks.

Children can articulate why respect is important;  how they show respect to others and how they feel about it for themselves. Children’s behaviour demonstrates their good understanding of this value in action. Children are able to talk about the different faiths and cultures they learn about, ask questions and show tolerance and respect for others of different faiths and religions.

Democracy

Children at Inkersall are taught that democracy sits at the heart of fair and equitable systems including successful team working. Democracy is a school value that children meet when discussing respect and fairness.

Democracy is taught during assemblies and class-based PSHE sessions. Inkersall has a school council with class representatives elected by their peers. Our children understand that being a member of the council comes with responsibility and a commitment to give their best to school life.

Children regularly get opportunities to express their views in school through Pupil Voice interviews and questionnaires.

The impact of this is:

Children are able to work cooperatively in pairs and groups as well as across the whole class. They understand about turn taking and respecting the views of others. Children are able to use the language of respect, and to explain principals of fairness.

Rule of Law

The importance of laws, whether they are those that govern the class, the school or the country, is reinforced through the Inkersall curriculum. 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.

Through our whole school approach, we enable children to develop the language and strategies to solve conflict and to right wrongs.  Visits from authorities such as the Police and Fire Service help to reinforce this message.

The impact of this is:

Children are able to articulate how and why we need to behave in school and demonstrate they understand and can abide by rules. They are able to discuss and debate the philosophical issues underpinning democratic norms.

Individual liberty

Pupils are encouraged to make informed choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment, are empowered, and are protected by appropriate boundaries. In this way, children are strongly encouraged to develop independence in learning and to understand, and exercise personal rights and freedoms. They are supported to exercise rights in safe and supportive environments, including during e-Safety and PSHE lessons.

The evidence of this is:

Children are able to show independence in learning and to think for themselves.

The impact of this is:

Children understand about the importance of accepting responsibility and of their right to be heard in school. They are consulted on many aspects of school life and demonstrate independence of thought and action.