Promoting Fundamental British Values
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.”
Citizens of the UK are encouraged to:
- Respect and obey the law
- Respect the rights of others, including their right to their own opinions
- Treat others with fairness
- Look after yourself and your family
- Look after the area in which you live and the environment
At Henry Chadwick Primary School we believe that we fully promote these fundamental British Values through fully embedded PHSE and RSE lessons, through our enriched curriculum and extra-curricular activities.
British Values at Henry Chadwick
At Henry Chadwick we actively promote the fundamental British Values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of all faiths and beliefs. This is done through targeted teaching in a range of lessons and through modelling. One of the fundamental values at Henry Chadwick is the right of all members of the school community to be heard and the responsibility of others to allow this to happen. This is taught and reinforced through all lessons, teaching and modelling to children and young people, how to make their needs and wishes heard in a way that society and school life find acceptable. At Henry Chadwick, we take pupil voice very seriously. Pupils have the opportunity to have their voices heard through our School Council, Sports Council, worry boxes, pupil questionnaires and through regular assemblies and PHSE lessons. The elections of class representatives for these councils are based solely on pupil votes. The councils meet regularly and take part in decision making on a range of topics, including the curriculum. These topics are also discussed within classes so that all pupils have an input in the decision-making process. Pupil voice meetings are held with a variety of members of staff, covering a range of topics. As a school, we provide an opportunity and a platform for children to engage in topical issues; both locally and nationally. Furthermore, children are encouraged to challenge opinions and are given the chance to reply to intellectual debate at classroom level up to government level. Our children have recently challenged the route of HS2 traffic, resulting in a positive outcome for the village and local area.
We are committed to promoting these in the following ways:
Democracy
One of the fundamental values at Henry Chadwick is the right of all members of the community to be heard and the responsibility of others to allow this to happen. This is taught and reinforced through all lessons, teaching and modelling to children and young people, how to make their needs and wishes heard in a way that society and school life find acceptable. Democracy is a key element of PHSE lessons and our embedded PHSE curriculum allows children to explore the different ways that democracy is part of society. Our enriched curriculum allows opportunities for children to explore the practical role of democracy through visits to the Houses of Parliament and visits by members of the local Parish council. The children get to experience democracy in action when voting for school or sports council, taking part in pupil voice sessions or through questionnaires and classroom debates. The elections of class representatives for these councils are based solely on pupil votes. The councils meet regularly and take part in decision-making on a range of topics. These topics are also discussed within classes, so that all pupils have an input in decision-making. At Henry Chadwick we take pupil voice very seriously.
In the Early Years and Key Stage 1, there is particular focus on children learning to take turns and share in play; throughout their school life children are encouraged to share, and to show patience and respect.
The Rule of Law
All staff members have high expectations of the children in our school. The importance of rules are consistently reinforced in the classroom, at lunchtime, in CHAMPS and through school assemblies. Pupils are taught to understand the need for laws – that they are there for individual protection, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken. Within classes, pupils generate their own set of rules so that there is a common understanding of what is important in order for the class to be an orderly place to work. Pupils follow a positive behaviour policy and clearly understand the rewards and sanctions that are used. Assemblies and discussions in class focus on recognising right from wrong. We have focused PHSE themes that include: road safety, rail safety and water safety. Children are taught about rights and responsibilities through regular lessons; this is reinforced through classroom displays. The children discuss age appropriate moral issues relevant to them and their topic, and this enables them to listen, respond and behave with respect, and develop their understanding of the rules of the law.
Individual Liberty
Pupils are encouraged to be independent learners, constantly making choices, within a safe and supportive environment. They are taught to recognise their emotions, and then are supported to learn strategies that allow them to self-regulate. We teach and actively encourage the use of learning behaviours that promote resilience, teamwork, empathy, communication and determination. Forest school allows children to develop themselves as independent and active learners whilst further developing their self-esteem and self-confidence. Pupils are encouraged to understand their personal freedoms and are taught how to use these rights to best effect. All pupils are keen to support charities, whether local, national or global. Children have the opportunity to take part in fund raising activities for large charitable events such as Children in Need and Comic Relief. They regularly raise money for the school through Parents and Friends events and also for local charities like St Giles Hospice and the Foodbank.
E-safety is a high priority in school and we teach it as part of both our ICT and PHSE curriculums. They learn to use technology effectively and safely enabling them to make choices in a safe manner. Children have the opportunity to belong to a wide range of clubs within school.
Pupils learn about times within history when individual liberty has been challenged or compromised and they remember those who have given their lives to maintain our freedom.
Mutual Respect
At Henry Chadwick, our values of respect and tolerance permeate all areas of school life. This engenders a climate within which pupils feel safe and secure, and facilitates the fulfilment of potential. All staff demonstrate respect to everyone with whom they come into contact and act as positive role models for the children. They promote the behaviours and attitudes that are the foundation of positive relationships. The strong school ethos encourages everyone to consider and support each other and to celebrate the worth and individuality of every member of the school community. Discussions in class and during whole school assemblies allow the children to show respect and reverence to all other individuals. The children participate in regular themed weeks that promote respect including equalities and anti-bullying weeks.
Children compete against other schools in a range of competitive situations and are taught respect and sportsmanship through this.
Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs
Pupils are reminded of their place in a culturally diverse society through our Religious Education curriculum and the spiritual life of the school. Assemblies and class work promote the diversity of society and the right for each person to be respected and valued equally regardless of ability, gender, faith, heritage or race. We study different cultures and religions and offer children enrichment activities that celebrate these faiths. These activities, including celebrating the Holi Festival of Colour, have really engaged the pupils. Visitors are invited to school to share their knowledge of different faith communities to enhance the children’s understanding.
Our Prevent Statement
Vicki Barnes, Headteacher, is the Prevent Lead at Henry Chadwick Primary School. At Henry Chadwick Community Primary School we aim to prepare our students to become good citizens of the future. Through our curriculum we teach pupils British values and how to celebrate diversity. We aim to raise their awareness of radicalisation and extremist views, whatever the source. We have adopted the principles and advice found in ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education 2023’ and the 2023 ‘Prevent Duty Guidance’. These are incorporated into our school policy on tackling extremism.
Government website – www.educateagainsthate.com – Practical advice and information on protecting children from extremism and radicalisation.