Promoting British Values at Chadsgrove School
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.”
At Chadsgrove School, the British Values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways:
Democracy
The school vision, aims and values clearly state the importance we place on each member of the school community as an individual who is valued and respected by everyone else.
Chadsgrove believes that pupil voice is important and helps pupils both to reflectively engage in their learning, and to consider or challenge the issues that are important to them at school. To support this process a teacher co-ordinates ‘Pupil Voice’ across the school, ensuring that all pupils are able to have a say in their education and the life of the school.
We have an active School Council that meets regularly with the Headteacher to discuss issues raised by each class. The School Council is listened to by school staff and it is able to effect change. Every pupil on the School Council is voted for by other pupils in their class.
Focused work, where appropriate, during PSHE lessons, engages pupils in considering what it means to be British and that being British is about living alongside others in a multi-cultural community. Pupils are encouraged to understand the viewpoints and practices, backgrounds and contributions that everyone makes to the country.
All pupils complete an annual ‘Pupil Views’ questionnaire which enables them to put forward their views about the school. Pupils are able to complete, with support where necessary, different versions of the questionnaire depending upon their learning needs.
There is a shared understanding of politeness and good behaviour and this is promoted at all times.
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 Chadsgrove School. Where appropriate, class rules are agreed and displayed in classrooms.
Pupils are taught, at whatever level is appropriate, the rights of all pupils at the school. They are also taught the value and reasons behind rules and laws, that they govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves, and the consequences when laws are broken. For the youngest pupils in school this may be through topics/themes such as ‘People Who Help Us’.
Individual Liberty
At Chadsgrove School, pupils 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 young people to make informed choices, through a safe environment and an empowering education. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms, and advised how to exercise these safely, for example through E-Safety and PSHE work.
Chadsgrove promotes an anti-bullying culture and policies relating to behaviour and E-safety are in place.
Mutual Respect and Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs
Mutual respect is integral to provision at Chadsgrove. Children are encouraged to understand that their behaviours have an effect on their own rights and those of others. All members of the school community treat each other with respect.
Chadsgrove provides opportunities for children to visit places of significant cultural interest and places of worship, and we actively encourage visitors from a range of communities and organisations into school, particularly during Assemblies.
Each month, we focus on a different religious festival from each of the major world religions; pupils learn about this festival and contribute to a display in the school hall.
Each year, the school supports a range of charities, chosen by the pupils on the School Council. The school plans fundraising and awareness raising activities to support these charities.