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 this year. Within our school these values reflect our school values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways:
The pupils at St Martin's Church of England Primary School have a strong Pupil Voice forum which ensures all views of all pupils are heard and shared. Pupil voice Leaders are elected by their peers and lead their groups in discussion on a wide range of issues including school priorities, key policies, how school events are organised, and the charities we support.
The Rule of Law
The importance of Laws, whether related to a playground game, the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced throughout all aspects of school life. Pupils are taught that rules and laws are in place for a purpose whether this is to make life fair or to protect us. Pupils are involved in writing our Behaviour Management Policy ensuring that the rules, rewards and consequences are fair, consistent and appropriate.
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 advised how to exercise these safely, for example through our E-Safety and PSHE lessons. Whether it is through choice of learning challenge, of how they record their learning, or their participation in our numerous extra-curricular clubs and opportunities, pupils are given the freedom to make choices.
As a Church school respect is at the heart of our mission statement and our values. 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.
Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs
St Martin's Church of England Primary School has a number of different faiths represented within its community. We respect these different faiths and enjoy finding out about some of their festivals such as Dashain and Holi through first hand experience. Our RE and PSHE teaching reinforce the teaching and tolerance of other faiths. Members of different faiths or religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school.
As a school we will actively challenge pupils, staff or parents expressing opinions contrary to fundamental British Values, including ‘extremist’ views.