Promoting British Values at Rykneld Primary 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."

The government set out its definition of British values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy, and these values have recently been reiterated by the Prime Minister. At Rykneld Primary School these values are reinforced and we provide regular opportunities for children to reflect on and be prepared for life in modern Britain. Please see the parent information leaflet below for further information.

Democracy

School Council

In each class from Year 1 onwards, children are asked to think about their 'manifesto' and present a short speech to their class stating why they should be chosen as a School Council representative. Children then decide upon their School Council representatives through a fair voting system based solely on pupil votes. Each class has a Bright Ideas box and children are encouraged to discuss and post ideas for how the school could be improved ensuring each child the opportunity to have their voices heard. These are then discussed at School Council every month when the representatives meet. After each meeting, minutes are sent to each class to be shared with all the children in school. Opportunities for pupils to develop their understanding of the democratic process form part of the curriculum e.g. visiting The Houses of Parliament, visit by local M.P.

The Rule of Law

The importance of Laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced throughout regular school days, as well as when dealing with behaviour and through school assemblies. Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind laws, that they govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken. Visits from authorities such as the Police and Fire Service are regular parts of our calendar and help reinforce this message.Through literature and curriculum themes such as “Is it right to fight?” children also learn about moral choices and explore whether they consider actions by other to be right or wrong. 

School Rules

School rules are fully established and rules and the rights and responsibilities associated with these are regularly reinforced eg through PSHE lessons.

Individual Liberty

Communities

Within our school, pupils understand that they should feel proud of all the communities to which they belong. We teach the children that we are all citizens of the school and as such they are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. Visitors, who are regularly invited into school from the local and wider community, join us for special events/assemblies e.g. war veteran, water aid charity volunteers, local vicar.

Personal Safety

Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms safely, for example through our Online Safety and PSHE lessons throughout the school.

Financial Responsibility

Children are able to bring a small amount of money to spend at the snack trolley each morning playtime. Year 6 pupils also help run the snack trolley on a weekly basis. As part of one of our school drivers children are encouraged to develop their entrepreneurial skills through eg plant sales, biscuit/cake stalls, enterprise day.

Mutual Respect

Much of our school ethos and behaviour policy revolves around Core Values - 'Respect' being one of these. Through discussions and assemblies we explore what this means and how this can be shown to others. Respect is promoted around the school and is reiterated through our classroom and school rules; our daily conversations and expectations as well as through our behaviour policy. Annual events such as Anti-bullying week and Safer Internet Day are celebrated and marked by all members of the school community. Children are also encouraged in lessons and assemblies to think about Cyber-Bullying and the importance of being respectful and courteous online, especially when using social media.

At Rykneld Primary School we value the diverse ethnic backgrounds of all our pupils and families. This approach is enriching for all our pupils as it teaches tolerance and respect for the differences in our community and the wider world. Through our assemblies and discussions in Religious Education and Personal, Social and Health Education pupils are supported to have a better understanding of the faiths of others, often dispelling prejudice by ensuring a better understanding. Year groups visit local places of worship, as part of our R.E. curriculum and learn about similarities and differences between faiths in modern Britain.