Promoting British Values at Broomhill First School
Learning about British values is part of our commitment to promoting the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of our pupils. These values are taught through Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) and Religious Education (RE) lessons, and also through the delivery of a broad and balanced curriculum.
The government set out its definition of fundamental British values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy, and these values are reinforced regularly as part of our curriculum and in the following ways:
Democracy
Pupils have the opportunity to have their voices heard through our School Council, pupil questionnaires and ‘pupil voice’ discussions with staff. Voting systems are used for the election of school councillors and for making various decisions, such as elements of the school lunch menu.
The Rule of Law
The importance of laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced, as appropriate. 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. Children are involved in devising their classroom rules at the beginning of the year which adds to their understanding in this area and are also consulted when reviewing relevant policies.
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 provide boundaries for our children to make choices safely, through provision of a safe environment and planned curriculum. 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 teaching. Pupils are given the freedom to make choices, for example signing up for extra-curricular clubs and volunteering to become play leaders.
Mutual Respect
Respect is a core value within our school and children’s understanding of what this means and how it is shown is regularly promoted. This value is reiterated in displays around school, through our classroom rules, as part of assembly themes, through our behaviour policy and rewards systems.
Tolerance of those of 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 are supported by learning in RE and PSHE. All children study different world faiths and learn about their customs, practises and celebrations. We have close links to our local churches.
As well as the above we aim to enhance children’s understanding by providing a wide range of first hand experiences, such as inviting visitors into school, arranging workshops and school trips, and the development of community links. Examples of such experiences are recorded in our special spiritual, moral, social and cultural file which is available for parents to view in our school office.
