Promoting British Values

The DfE have 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.”

Democracy:

Democracy is widespread across our school. Pupils have the opportunity to have their voices heard through our School Council who meet weekly when possible. Every child on the School Council is voted in by their class and have the opportunity to put forward their views and opinions at the meetings. We promote our own school values on a daily basis and these are rewarded with certificates in assembly and Governors awards at the end of the year. We have strong links with Stow Town Council and the clerk is a regular visitor to school to hear the pupil voice. Their views and ideas are acted upon by the town. Our school behaviour policy involves rewards and responsibilities and competitions which the pupils vote upon.

The Rule of Law:

The importance of laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced at Stow-on-the-Wold Primary School. This happens throughout the school day when dealing with behaviour issues 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 Schools beat Officers help to reinforce this message.

Individual Liberty:

At our school, pupils are actively encouraged to make the right choices, following our school values. As a school we educate and provide boundaries for young pupils to make wise choices, through a provision of a safe environment and empowering education. 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 PSHE lessons. Whether it be through choice of challenge or of participation in community events which feature heavily throughout the year, or in our extra-curricular clubs and opportunities, pupils are given the freedom to make choices.

Mutual Respect:

One of our three main School Values is to ‘Be Supportive”. Pupils have discussions both in class and assemblies relating to what this means and how it is shown. Displays around the school promote our school values and this is reiterated through our classroom rules, as well as our behaviour policy. Visits to the Hub help children to enhance their self esteem, work together as a team and build self confidence. House meetings each week help to build team spirit and encourage working together to support each other. We also have strong sporting values that are demonstrated through our team games against local schools and competitive sporting events that are regularly attended. All children are taught to show good sportsmanship whether they win, lose or draw.

Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs:

We actively promote diversity through our teaching and celebration of different faiths and cultures. Assemblies and discussions involving prejudices and prejudice-based bullying have been held and are supported by learning in RE and PSHE. Members of different faiths or religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school.