Promoting British Values at Broomfields Junior School
The Department for Education state that there is a 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 were reiterated by the Prime Minister in 2014. At Broomfields Junior School these values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways:
Democracy
Democracy is embedded at the school. Pupils are always listened to by adults and are taught to listen carefully and with concern to each other, respecting the right of every individual to have their opinions and voices heard. Pupils also have the opportunity to air their opinions and ideas through our School Council, class discussion sessions and questionairres. The elections of the School Council members and House Captains and Vice-Captains are based solely on pupil votes, reflecting our British electoral system and demonstrating democracy in action.
The Rule of Law
The importance of laws whether they are 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 collective worship. Our 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, Fire Service, etc. are regular parts of our calendar and help to 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 our pupils to make choices safely, through the provision of a safe environment and an empowering education. Our pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised how to exercise these safely, for example through our e-safety and P.S.H.E. lessons. Whether it is through choice; or challenge, or how they record, or participation in our numerous extra- curricular activities, our pupils are given the freedom to make choices.
Mutual Respect
Part of our school ethos and behaviour policy has revolved around Core Values such as ‘Respect’, and pupils have been part of discussions and assemblies related to what this means and how it is shown. All members of the school community treat each other with respect and pupils understand that respect needs to be shown to everyone, whatever differences we may have. Displays around the school promote respect for others and this is reiterated through our classroom and learning rules, as well as our behaviour policy. The core value of Respect at Broomfields underpins our work every day, both in and out of the classroom.
Tolerance of Those With 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. Assemblies and discussions involving prejudices and prejudice-based bullying have been followed and supported by learning in PSHE. Members of different faiths or religions, and those who speak languages other than English, are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school.
Pupil Voice
Over the term we have been working with our children to gain their views and opinions about how British Values are demonstrated in school. Here are their resposes:
Individual liberty – Pupils commented on their chance to pick their own partners/groups; make choices between activities in PE and Golden Time and even in some lessons, for example Maths.
Democracy – All of the different year groups mentioned opportunities to vote for class monitor roles and leadership roles within school e.g. House Captain/Vice Captain and School council or SEAL Ambassadors. The children understood the difference between a democracy and a dictatorship. We talked about being able to disagree without being upset.
Rules and laws – Different year groups commented upon the school’s golden rules alongside class rules agreed by the teacher and the children. We discussed the behaviour expectations in school and the fact that everyone is responsible for keeping each other safe.
Tolerance and Mutual Respect – Children in Year 4 commented on showing kindness to their peers and adults in school. Year 5/6 mentioned listening to others shows respect and the element of teamwork needed to make things work well in school.
