British Values Statement
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.”
At St. Barnabas’ Church of England primary school, these values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways:
Democracy
Democracy is embedded at our school. Pupils are listened to by adults and are taught to actively listen to one another, respecting the right of every individual to have their opinions and voices heard. Pupils have the opportunity to share opinions and ideas through the School Council and regular ‘pupil voice’ questionnaires.
Our values and school ethos promotes the importance of social responsibility and fairness. This is also reflected in our behaviour policy
The Rule of Law
The importance of laws, whether they are those that govern the class, the school or the country, are consistently reinforced. The children discuss and set their own rules for behaviour inside and outside of the classroom; this ensures that they are relevant and clearly understood by all. Our pupils are taught the value and reasons behind laws, the responsibility they have to up hold them and that there are consequences when laws are broken.
Individual Liberty
Within school, pupils are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. Our children are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised how to exercise these safely through many curriculum subjects, particularly in PSHE and e-safety lessons.
Mutual Respect
Respect is an important value to the children and staff of St. Barnabas’ primary school and it is deeply embedded in learning and behaviour. Children understand that it is expected and that it is imperative that respect to shown to everyone, whatever differences we may have, and to everything, however big or small. It underpins out work every day, both in and out of the classroom.
We celebrate and reward success and promote the importance of being able and willing to reflect on our choices in order to improve.
Our team system promotes teamwork and collaboration. It allows for healthy competition in the framework of fair play. We learn the joy of triumph and resilience we learn to lose with grace.
Tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs
As a Church of England VA school, the Christian values and faith is an integral part of the children’s day to day learning. Part of this is an understanding of different faiths and beliefs, which is taught through all subjects.
Beliefs, traditions and customs will be studied in depth, with visitors being invited in to our school to enrich and extend understanding. Through this our pupils gain an enhanced understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society.