Promoting British Values at St John's CE Primary Academy, Clifton
The DfE have reinforced the need “to create and enforce a clear and rigorous expectation on all schools and academies 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 2011 , and these values were reiterated in 2014.
At St John’s CE Primary Academy, we aim for our children to become valuable and fully rounded members of society who treat others with respect and tolerance, regardless of background. We promote the basic British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance for those with different faiths and beliefs in the following ways:
Democracy
We have an Academy Council with members from each of our classes. These children have election campaigns and are voted for by their class. The council meets regularly and in the meetings the children’s views and ideas on a range of academy issues are sought and they help make decisions. The council collects class views which they bring to their meetings and are involved in fund raising for the academy. We also have House Captains which, again, are voted for by the academy.
The Rule of Law
Children are taught from the beginning the ‘values’ of the academy. Pupils are taught the importance of and reasons behind our academy ‘values’, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when the ‘values’ are not kept. Each class agrees its own class rules at the beginning of the academic year. We have a variety of rewards when children follow the ‘values’ including raffle tickets, gold coins, afternoon tea with the principal and a house point system. These show children our values are special and in keeping them they will be rewarded.
Individual Liberty
Pupils are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. Making choices is key part the way we want children to learn and of the academy vision, which children learn about through assemblies and RHE work. Through our work we discuss different choices that the children can make and encourage them to make the right choices. We look at online safety as a key part of the computing and RHE curricula and the importance making safe choices when online. This is enhanced by our specific eSafety and digital literacy work, which prepares children for our increasingly online world.
Mutual Respect
Mutual respect is at the heart of our values. Our ethos is to allow everyone in the academy to let their light shine. We are an inclusive academy where everyone is valued and has a contribution to make to the academy. Children learn that their behaviours have an effect on their own rights and those of others. The children and staff often work with other schools and academies in our local area and with St John’s Church, which develops their respect for others in the wider community.
Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs
All different faiths and beliefs are explored and celebrated through assemblies, RE lessons and a variety of visitors and visits. The children are taught that people have different faiths and beliefs and that these should be accepted and respected. Children within our academy with different faiths are encouraged to share their practices and special celebrations. Our academy also has a link with St John’s church and we have a visiting reverend who regularly does worship for us.
