Promoting British Values
The government states that schools are required to ensure that they promote fundamental British Values. It sets out its definition of British values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy.
The five British Values are:
- Democracy
- The rule of law
- Individual liberty
- Mutual respect
- Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs
At Radford Academy we are proud that our school ethos embraces these key British Values. It is our ethos and our motto: Lead, Empower, Achieve and Drive that together is at the heart of everything we do. We truly believe that children need to be taught and live by these values as we prepare them to be responsible citizens of our community, country and world.
Radford Academy serves a diverse community and through our ethos, curriculum and provision, we ensure that no group or individual is discriminated against regardless of faith, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, political or financial status. Radford Academy also recognizes the vital role it has to ensure that no individual or group is subjected to intimidation or radicalization by those wishing to unduly or illegally influence them.
Democracy
Children learn the value of democracy and practice in school through democratic actions. They elect pupils to be Head girl and boy and also members of the school council. The school council themselves have been trained in this process and they carry out their roles in a fair and democratic way.
At Radford Academy we aim to involve children in planning and making decisions that concern them in the running of school, eg, school meals, behavior policy, equipment and the planning of special events, and solving their disputes themselves. They are consulted on their areas of interest so teacher can weave this into the curriculum. Buddies are trained and they help to support other children.
Skills that underpin democracy are embedded so that children learn and like taking responsibility and gaining independence. As much as we give children the freedom to make decisions children understand that these decisions are always in line with school rules and ethos.
The Rules of the Law
Our school has five simple rules that are displayed in every classroom. Each class also has a class charter for rules that are more specific for the class. These rules are referred to regularly. Children learn the importance of rules in our school and society in general. They know rules must be followed. They know we need rules to help distinguish between right and wrong.
Good relationships with the police help to affirm the importance of rules and the law through visits and during assemblies. We have a very clear policy for behaviour which includes zero tolerance for any form of bullying or racism.
Individual Liberty
Pupils are encouraged to give their views about aspects of school. We have a democratically elected school council who are proactive in addressing pupils’ ideas and taking action. Pupils understand that they can make choices as long as they are within school rules and the law.
At Radford Academy we encourage pupils to take responsibility for their actions. Our behavior system allows them to have two chances to change any unacceptable behaviors before sanctions are taken. In their learning, the lessons are structured so pupils can decide with teacher that they are ready for the next step.
Pupils will learn the importance of equality and fairness through assemblies, PSHE sessions, discussions and through the curriculum. Through this work we help pupils to develop a high self-esteem for themselves and their backgrounds as well as learning to respect those of others. Pupils know that dis-respectful behavior and lack of tolerance will not be accepted at any level.
Promoting British Values in EYFS
What are British values?
- Democracy
- The rule of law
- Individual liberty
- Mutual respect of those with different faiths and beliefs
Democracy
We look at this through our work on PSED and Understanding of the world.
- By helping pupils understand their role in the wider community.
- By giving pupils opportunities to vote for their desired outcomes.
- By giving pupils the opportunity to share their views.
- By promoting collaboration and sharing when playing a game.
- By promoting an atmosphere of caring for others and valuing of others views and successes.
The rule of law
We look at this through our work on PSED and Understanding of the world.
- By having circle time about the school rules and why we need rules.
- By singing our school rules song.
- By reading stories about doing the right thing and knowing the difference between right and wrong.
- By talking about our community and the people who help us.
- By creating an atmosphere of choice in the classroom
Individual Liberty
We look at this through our work on PSED and Understanding of the world.
- By having circle time focused on self-worth and pride in themselves.
- By creating and ethos of pride in each others skills and achievements.
- By teaching pupils the vocabulary to congratulate each other.
- By having circle times on how it is OK to say no.
- By celebrating individuals achievements.
Respect for others
We look at this through our work on PSED and Understanding of the world
- By reading stories from a range of cultures and using this as a starting point for talking about peoples differences.
- By encouraging pupils to share their experiences from home and the traditions they follow.
- By having circle time about similarities and differences between each other.
- By using their current interest to learn about other cultures.
- By our conversations on the carpet promoting an ethos of freely sharing opinions.
- By using celebrations as a way of learning about other cultures and traditions.
- By using circle time to introduce the vocabulary of respect.