Promoting Fundamental British Values.
In accordance with The Department for Education we aim to actively promote British values in schools to ensure young people leave school prepared for life in modern Britain.
Pupils are encouraged to regard people of all faiths, races and cultures with respect and tolerance and understand that while different people may hold different views about what is ‘right’ and ‘wrong’, all people living in England are subject to its law.
The Key Values are:
• democracy
• rule of law
• individual liberty
• mutual respect
• tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs
Democracy
Children, parents and staff have many opportunities for their voices to be heard. Democracy is embedded within the school and is central to how we operate. We often ask for feedback, opinions and ideas to develop our practice and make our school even better.
Children have the opportunity to have their voices heard through our Lighthouse Crew or Pupil Voice Groups. Our school Positive Behaviour Policy involves rewards and sanctions; this is shared through all aspects of school life and also with parents, carers and children from Reception to Year 6.
Children are always involved with other stakeholders when making decisions on new policies and procedures. Children are 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. We encourage pupils to take ownership of not only their school but also of their own learning and progress. This encourages a heightened sense of both personal and social responsibility and is demonstrated on a daily basis by our children.
Rule of Law
The importance of laws is consistently reinforced throughout the school day. 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. The school behavioural policy is clearly displayed in every classroom and sets out expected behaviour and associated rights across the school.
Circle time is used as an opportunity to discuss difficult situations that benefit from whole class discussion. Keeping safe when using the internet is regularly discussed with children in computing lessons and in assemblies. All members of the school community sign our Acceptable Use Policy and pledge to use the internet safely.
The school has very good links with authorities such as the Police and Fire Service, who regularly visit and help to reinforce the Rule of Law and how to keep safe.
Individual Liberty
Within school, children 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 pupils to make choices, through provision of a safe environment and an 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, in computing through our E-Safety policy.
St. John’s children are given the freedom to make many choices, be this in class, through their choice of learning strategies, in a wide range of extra-curricular activities, during Forest School sessions, through fundraising or sporting opportunities or their choice of musical instrument.
Mutual Respect
At St. John’s CE , mutual respect is at the heart of our ethos and values. Children learn that their behaviour has an effect on their own rights and those of others. There are many opportunities to develop SMSC across the curriculum for example through RE., PE, art, music, history, geography, science, maths and English. Children are encouraged to work in collaboration as much as possible either in their class, with other year groups, as digital leaders and sometimes with other schools in sport or at music celebrations.
All members of the school community treat each other with respect. We publish our behaviour policy on the website as well as in every classroom. Assemblies throughout the year on inspirational people, such as Martin Luther King, reflect this ethos.
Tolerance of Different Faiths
At St. John’s CE, we embrace the culturally rich and diverse area in which we live and enable children to have unique opportunities to learn from others by sharing and celebrating their different faiths and cultures. Weekly assembly themes are regularly planned linked to the five British Values whilst addressing differences either directly or through the inclusion of stories and celebrations from a variety of faiths and cultures. Members of different faiths or religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school.
At St. John’s CE, we will actively challenge pupils, staff, parents or anyone in the school community expressing opinions contrary to fundamental British Values, including 'extremist' views.