What are British Values and How we Promote them at Hughenden?
All schools are required to promote the historical and current values that underpin the national identity known as being British. Within this, all schools are required to ensure that the curriculum actively promotes fundamental British values. These values have been defined by The DfE as Democracy, the Rule of law, Individual Liberty and Mutual respect and Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs.
Children have many opportunities for their voices to be heard. We have a school council which meets regularly with Mr Churchill to discuss a variety of initiatives raised in class council meetings. Some examples include school lunches, behaviour, playtime and ideas for fundraising. Two children are selected per year group to represent their class’s voice (One girl and one boy).
As a way of identifying our School Councillors, each child is provided with a yellow badge. The council has a small budget and is able to effect change within the school.
Approved initiatives are communicated to their fellow pupils though assemblies. Minutes are also circulated to the appropriate personnel. Children have an annual questionnaire in which they are able to put forward their views about the school.
We value our School Council because it is a lovely opportunity for children to express themselves and have their voices heard.
In the Autumn term our year 5 and 6 children held a Hot Seating session with David Liddington MP and David Carroll Deputy Police Commissioner and Local County Councillor. This all came under the remit of PSHE and Citizenship to enable the children’s voice to be heard and give them the opportunity to learn how parliament works and have a representative voice. It was hugely enjoyed by everyone who took part. Our PSHE sessions also gives children moments to reflect and embrace growth mindset.
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 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 and Fire Service help reinforce this message.
In line with British Values, we receive various visits from the Local Authorities, Police and Firefighters. In the Spring term two Police Community Support Officers visited our Foundation children to deliver a presentation to the children explaining their roles in society and how they make a difference. The children then had a lovely opportunity to ask questions. Last term Year 1 also received a very special visit from our local Fire Station, which was very exciting and the children were given the opportunity to explore the fire engine.
We also work closely with our Lollipop Crossing Patrol Group and help fundraise through various initiatives organised by the children and staff of Hughenden Primary School to ensure this important service remains. This also links closely with our School Travel initiative where we actively promote sustainable travel and encourage children to walk to school. We are currently working towards a Silver award, having been granted the Modeshift Bronze award last year.
At Hughenden Primary we have a strong ethos philosophy. Our school prides itself on six core principles, these being: - ‘Be Happy, Be Responsible, Be Kind and Respectful, Be Enthusiastic, Be Confident and Learn Together’. Our strapline underpins these key values – ‘Working Together, Nurturing Minds, and Empowering Lives’. For further details, please click here.
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.
At Hughenden Primary we heavily promote the safety and wellbeing of all our children. We hold various meetings for parents with regards to E-Safety. Last month we delivered a presentation to parents during a morning session to emphasise the importance of E-Safety and provide them with the latest information to make them aware of the dangers facing children online today. We regularly identify the risks to children and communicate these through assemblies. You can find a wealth of information on our school website under ‘Curriculum’.
As a community we actively encourage Equality and Diversity. In assemblies we discuss a whole range of subjects including morals, principles and values. We also provide children with reflective moments to give them a chance to reflect on what’s been said. On occasions our parents request to visit school to share information with the children for example, Eid and Divali
As part of our behavioural strategy we have put in place a Sanctions system. Sanctions takes place every break time and are used to help the child identify what they have done wrong and perhaps ask them what they should have done in that situation. It is an opportunity to reflect and learn from mistakes. Our weekly green card assembly gives children the opportunity to celebrate all the good aspects of their week.
Mutual Respect and Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs
Mutual respect is at the heart of our values and ethos. 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.
We place great emphasis on promoting diversity with the children. Assemblies are regularly planned to address this issue either directly or through the inclusion of stories and celebrations from a variety of faiths and cultures. Our RE, and PSHE teaching reinforces this. Members of different faiths or religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school. Parents from all walks of life regularly visit our school to express their religious beliefs through speeches during assemblies. Children visit places of worship that are important to different faiths.
It is important to enable children to develop their self-esteem and confidence. At Hughenden Primary we thrive on helping children grow and flourish. Being able to understand and respect others beliefs and religious views is at the forefront of our strategy. Facilities such as Pupil Premium allow us to allocate and set aside funds to support and expand clubs we provide. Some examples include, nurture groups, vocal lessons, forest school, sports coaching, classroom support, cookery and so forth. Sports funding also enables us to focus on our Apprentices and providing additional support during Physical Education sessions.
All our children are given equal opportunities to explore and celebrate our multi-cultural society. When a child joins our school they are allocated a house whilst they are with us (Our Houses are: Ash, Oak, Maple and Chesnut). Throughout the year we hold various fundraising initiatives to raise money to go towards charities. Examples include, Children in Need, Sport Relief, One Can Trust and Macmillan Cancer Trust. We focus on the benefits these events have on our children. Children learn to appreciate and sympathise with others and it also brings us all together as a close knit community.
We regularly organise school trips for the children. Last term year 6 took part in a workshop with Wycombe Wanderers aimed at tackling racism and promoting equality. More recently Year 3 and 4 children participated in a Women’s Aid Workshop created to prevent discrimination against others.