British Values
Promoting British values at Ash Green Primary School.
The Department for Education have recently 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.’
The Government set out its definition of British values in the 2011 Prevent strategy, and these values have been reiterated in 2014. At Ash Green Primary School these values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways:
Democracy
Children are listened to and are taught to listen carefully to others. Children are taught to respect the right of individuals to have their voices and opinions heard. They are taught to discuss issues in a balanced and calm way.
The school council meets regularly and discusses issues raised in class or as a whole school. each council member is voted for by their own class.
Children are regularly asked for their views through the curriculum and through Pupil Voice.
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 Ash Green Primary School.
Pupils are taught from an early age the value of rules and responsibilities. Children are taught the value and the reason behind the rules and the laws, that they govern and protect us, the responsibility this involves and the consequences when laws are broken.
Individual Liberty
At Ash Green Primary children are actively encourage to make the right choices, knowing they are in a safe and supportive environment. Children are expected to take responsibility for their own actions and to understand the consequence their actions might have. We educate and provide boundaries for children to enable them to make informed choices, through a safe and supportive environment. The understanding of rights and responsibilities are promoted through acts of collective worship, e-safety and Personal Social and Health Education (PHSE).
Mutual Respect
Mutual respect is a core value at Ash Green Primary. Children learn 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.
Tolerance of those of different Faiths and Beliefs
Ash Green Primary school celebrates cultural diversity and recognises the richness that diversity brings. The school recognises its role in preparing children for life in modern Britain. We actively promote celebrations of different faiths and beliefs. Through RE and personal and social education we reinforce messages of tolerance and respect.
The Curriculum
Staff regularly review the curriculum to ensure that it promotes the areas above. It also ensures that pupils are taught about key events and figures in history. Events during the year celebrate culturally diverse occasions and memorable events taking place in the country.
At Ash Green Primary we will actively challenge children, staff or parents who express opinions that are contrary to fundamental British values including extremist views.
