British Values

As well as our  PSHE Curriculum, which is designed to deliver RSE, PSHE, Equality and Mental Health Education, our school undertakes many activities that enrich the planned curriculum and demonstrates our determination to promote British Values and develop Social, Moral, Spiritual and Cultural understanding across our school.   

Democracy

• The responsible roles in school such as Eco Champions, each class are elected in September through a secret ballot. The children meet regularly throughout the year to complete projects and tasks.

• The Governors meet with the children to discuss the projects completed.

• We discuss the advantages and disadvantages of democracy

• In General Election years, all children in Key Stage Two have lessons on politics during the electoral month. We complete learning about referendums and have held our own mini-referendums about Britain’s place in the European Union.

• Our behaviour policy reinforces the importance of social responsibility and fairness

• We help children to express their views

• Pupils are listened to by adults and taught to listen with care and concern for others. Children respect the right for all children to learn, all teachers to teach and all of us to be safe.  This is reflected in our whole school rules. 

The Rule of Law

• Each class discusses, decides and agrees their class charter each September

• Children are taught about responsibility and the importance of rules and consequences and how and why rules are made

• Children have opportunity to reflect on their own learning, their own behaviour and their own safety through restorative conversations with each other and adults.

• Regular visits from our PCSO and the Fire Services reinforce our messages.

Individual Liberty

• All children whatever their age exercise the right to express their opinions and we support our pupils to actively look for and articulate their views through regular circle times in school.

• Children are encouraged to take responsibility for their own behaviour and how with your rights come responsibilities

• Through the provision of a safe and empowering environment children are supported to exercise their rights to personal freedom within accepted boundaries

• Children are encouraged to take on areas of responsibility and leadership for example Playleaders, Buddies, Eco Champions, Junior Road Safety Officers, Reading Champions and Art Council members.

• Children are taught about the importance of E-Safety when online and all classes participate in regular E-Safety discussions

• Children have a choice of challenge in some curriculum areas and how they record their work enhancing their creativity

• Children can make a range of choices varying from attending extra-curricular activities to supporting fundraising events

• Furthermore, we learn about the importance of Civil Liberty through work on Slavery, Civil Rights, Freedom and Peace in History, RE and Collective Worship. We participate in Remembrance Projects and learn about British role models

• We encourage our children to be independent, active citizens, preparing them for their adult years

Tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs

• We enhance pupils’ understanding of different faiths and world views through RE.

• We have faith visitors in school and also visit places of worship in Helsby and Chester.

• We learn about differences, diversity and similarities in RE and a specific our No OUtsiders scheme

• Children are taught to tackle prejudice

• We learn about celebrations and festivals from a range of religions – for example Chinese New Year.

Mutual Respect

• Respect underpins our work both inside and outside the classroom

• We show respect to those who serve our country and to all in our local community

• We have an effective Anti-bullying and Inclusion Policy promoting respect for all

• PE lessons reinforce the importance of fair play and promote teamwork and collaboration throughout and beyond the curriculum

• There is an expectation that all who work, learn, play and visit our school do so with a respect for one another as well as for themselves

Additional to the key areas above we also promote British Values by;

• Providing children with opportunities for enterprise

• Fundraising for and supporting charities which are important to us

• Learning traditional British Songs, e.g The National Anthem, Songs from the Wars, Carols, Proms, Sea Shanties and their relevance within history and relevance for today

• Learning about the countries which make up Great Britain and the United Kingdom, through its geography, governance, flags, symbolism and culture

• We value being part of Britain, Year 5 have May Pole dancing lessons, we hold a harvest festival and often sing in local care homes

• Researching monarchy succession and key events

• Accepting responsibility for our planet through sustainable global education

• Learn about Britain within its role in Europe and the wider world and social responsibility

• Valuing the cultural aspects of ‘Britishness’ through our appreciation of the sports and the arts

• Engage with stories of national and local concern in the media

• Host school events linking to national events, e.g. Jubilee Celebrations 

• Learn about inspiring Britons in history 

• Acknowledging that these British Values are not unique to Britain and can be found as integral values throughout the world, throughout a range of religions and a variety of cultures.

• Decorate a Christmas tree for Chester Cathedral

• Celebrate the diversity of talents within the school through Horn’s Mill’s Got Talent

• We mark “poppy day” and attend the Remembrance Service at St Paul’s Church