In support of the Department for Education’s (DfE) document: Promoting fundamental British values as part of SMSC in schools, Departmental advice for maintained schools, November 2014.
The DfE states 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.”
At Grace Darling we reflect British values in all that we do. We aim to nurture our children on their journey through life so they can grow into safe, caring, democratic, responsible and tolerant adults who make a positive difference to society and to the world and the wider world. These values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways:
1. Democracy
Each academic year the pupils work with their new pastoral class teachers to contribute to their class rules and the rights linked to these. There are many opportunities for pupils to have their voice heard through the student leadership system, either as representatives on school committees and councils or by sharing their views with their elected class representative.
Pupil questionnaires and interviews are also conducted throughout the year with various focuses enabling them to make decisions and feedback on their learning.<
2. The Rule of Law
We all follow the rules.
Our pupils will encounter rules and laws throughout their lives. We want out pupils to understand that whether these laws govern the class, the school, the community or the wider world these are set and must be followed. We expect all visitors to our school to adhere to our rules, this includes staff, pupils and parents. The involvement of our pupils in the development of the school rules enables a clearer understanding to the reasons behind these rules and the associated consequences.
Pupils are taught these rules from Nursery and understand that they apply in all areas of school, the lunch hall, the yard and even when completing off-site activities.
Throughout the year we welcome visits from members of the wider community including the police, fire brigade and many others who also reinforce the importance of this message.
3. Individual Liberty
Grace Darling is a safe and supportive environment, as such our pupils are actively encouraged to make choices. Children are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and responsibilities safely and provided with advice to enable them to do this safely, for example through our E-Safety and SCARF sessions. Student Leadership encourages children to recognise the importance of responsibility and promotes expectations of attitudes to learning and behaviour.
Enquiry sessions give children opportunities to choose different approaches to their learning and encourage them to present their learning in various styles for example role play, poetry, movement and art. Children are given opportunity to explore their own interests and choose which tasks they would like to complete and when. Homework enquiry grids encourage children to partake in activities that interest and engage them.
We offer a range of extra-curricular clubs which children have the freedom to choose from, based on their interests.
4. Mutual Respect
Pupils and staff treat each other with great respect and this is evident when walking around our school.
As part of our weekly Celebration Assembly pupils actively support and show respect for the efforts and achievements of others.
From EYFS children are taught the skills needed to work in mixed groups and pairs in a variety of settings and situations, in a mutually respectful manner.
As part of our intervention provision, pupils take part in Lego Therapy, Garden Gang (Thrive), TalkBoost and Talk About, enabling them to learn how to take turns and work together.
5. Tolerance of those of Different Faith and Beliefs
Religious Education and PSCHE lessons reinforce messages of tolerance and respect for others and we regularly include opportunities to learn about people from different backgrounds into our curriculum planning.
Members of different faiths and religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning. Where possible, children visit places of worship that are important to different faiths. Throughout the school year significant days for different faiths form part of our themed days and celebrations.
Through our curriculum, themed days and events and the routines of daily school life, we demonstrate and promote tolerance and understanding of others and help children to become knowledgeable of others beliefs developing citizens who can build a better Britain for the future.
