Within the curriculum and our school life, we will be raising the profile of ‘Britishness’ by actively promoting the fundamental British rules of democracy, rules of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance of all with different faiths and beliefs.
We have found that our school values and British values are very similar. In fact, we believe these are the generic values of all good citizens across the globe.
At Nicol Mere, our curriculum is broad and balanced and will help prepare our pupils for life in modern Britain.
All our children are inspired to reach their academic potential. Through many different experiences, including residentials, we encourage and develop a range of life skills such as independence and initiative. We encourage all our children to be tolerant of each others' differences and to respect everyone. Finally, our children are taught the history of Britain dating back thousands of years and up to World War 2 and beyond.
Here are examples of the way British Values are built into our curriculum and whole school life.
The culture built upon freedom and equality, where everyone is aware of their rights and responsibilities. Voting and elections are based on personal opinion and not influenced by others.
• Children are involved in the democratic process e.g. voting for school councillors and eco-councillors. They have regular meetings and have their voices heard.
• Staff, pupil and parent questionnaires allow the school to act upon any comments raised, and allow the people’s opinions to be known.
• Through the broad and balanced curriculum, children learn how to debate and defend their points of view.
Rule of Law
The need for rules and boundaries to make a happy, safe and secure environment to live and work (learn) in. Also, understanding the consequences if rules are not followed.
• Clear and fair ‘class rules’ which were drawn up by pupils and staff.
• Fair behaviour policy which encourages children to take responsibility for their actions. This is also shared with parents.
• Throughout history topics, children look at how the law has changed over time.
• During PE lessons and sporting competitions outside of school, the children understand that the referee makes the final decisions and these must be followed.
• Annual visits from authorities such as the local police, fire service and NSPCC.
• Termly lessons for all children on E-safety and how to keep themselves safe online.
The right to believe, act and express oneself freely. It is the protection of your rights and the rights of others through freedom of speech.
• Weekly reflection assemblies.
• Mindfulness activities carried out to give the children the chance to express themselves freely.
• Through the curriculum, the children are taught about role models and those who fought for equality and freedom.
• Many lessons and units of work explore children’s opinions. As a school, we teach how to do this positively.
• A wide range of extra-curricular activities and clubs are on offer, and the children are actively encouraged to make their own choices in a safe and supportive environment.
Mutual Respect and Tolerance
Understanding that we don’t all share the same beliefs and values. Respecting the values, ideas and beliefs of others whilst not imposing our own.
• RE lessons and assemblies promote tolerance and respect for others through actively promoting diversity through exploring different cultures and beliefs. We promote the celebrations of different faiths and cultures and learn how people from other cultures live and work.
• The children have the opportunity to visit places of worship that are important to different faiths and cultures.
• Lots of opportunities for debates and personal opinions to take place during lessons e.g. RE, Science, PSHE, PE and English.