TEACHING BRITISH VALUES
British and Global Values at Sheriffhales Primary School
The DfE 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 were reiterated in 2014). At Sheriffhales these values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways:
Democracy
All our children are supported to follow the School STAR code. This code is based on the democratic values of everyone sharing in the responsibility of of the rights of others. Children are guided to develop a strong sense of citizenship by following the code which gives everyone the rights to be SAFE, to TRY, to ACHIEVE and to have RESPECT.
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 Sheriffhales. Pupils are taught from an early age the rules of the school. Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind rules and 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 help reinforce this message.
Individual Liberty
At Sheriffhales, pupils are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. As a school we educate and provide boundaries for young pupils to make informed choices, through a safe environment and an empowering education. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and advised how to exercise these safely, for example through our e-Safety and PSHE lessons.
Mutual Respect
Mutual respect is at the heart of our values. 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.
Embracing those of Different Faiths and Beliefs
Sheriffhales is a rural village school. We actively promote diversity through our celebrations of different faiths and cultures. Religious Education lessons and PSHE lessons reinforce messages of respect for others. Members of different faiths, religions and cultures are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school. The children visit places of worship that are important to different faiths. We are the proud recipients and guardians of a Holocaust Memorial Tree, funded by Shropshire Council and planted by our pupils with the help of religious leaders from across Shropshire and the West Midlands
Compassion and Charity
Of our own devising, compassion for others and a duty of charity towards those experiencing hardship or problems are important to the community of Sheriffhales school. We regularly fund-raise for ourselves and nominated charities. Children at our school have clear ideas about which charities they choose to support and engage well with discussion of issues which can impact badly on the lives of others.