Promoting British Values

How we promote British Values at Wickersley Northfield Primary

The DfE have recently reinforced the need to create and enforce a clear and rigorous expectation on all schools to promote the fundamental values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.

At Wickersley Northfield Primary, these values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways:

Curriculum

• In KS1 pupils are taught about similarities and differences between ways of life in different periods, how changes within living memory reveal changes in national life and about events beyond living memory that are significant nationally. They also learn about the lives of significant individuals in the past who have contributed to national achievements.
• In KS2 British history is taught through a carefully designed set of 'key skills' for history as pupils continue to develop their knowledge of British and local history. Periods of British history studied include the Roman Empire and its impact on Britain, Britain's settlement by the Anglo Saxons and Scots, the Viking and Anglo Saxon struggle for the kingdom of England and local history/
• In Upper KS2, pupils undertake a topic about World War Two looking at the impact that the military had in fighting for the British Empire. This is linked with Remembrance Day commemorations where pupils purchase poppies and a minutes silence is held in all classes.
• As a whole school, we have celebrated the Olympics and Paralympics.
• Royal celebrations have also played a large part in our curriculum and the Golden Jubilee was a big event in our school.
• Empathy, respect and tolerance are taught through PSHE and RE lessons and the British values of respect, tolerance and empathy are fostered throughout our daily interactions: modelled by staff and nurtured in pupils

Democracy 

Each year the pupils decide upon their class rules and the rights and responsibilities associated with these.

We have a school council to ensure pupils have an opportunity for their voices to be heard. They discuss their lessons,the environment and anything they would like to change or develop. Our school council members are democratically elected annually having shared their manifesto with the rest of their class and meetings also follow a democratic decision making process.

The Rule of Law

The importance of Laws, whether they are those that govern the class, the school,or the country are consistently reinforced throughout school days, as well as when dealing with behaviour and through school/class assemblies. Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind law enforcement, that they govern and protect us, and the responsibilities that these involve and the consequences that can occur when laws are broken. Visits from authorities such as Police, Fire Service, Ambulance staff etc. help to reinforce this message. In Y6, pupils visit the police education programme (Crucial Crew) annually where such values are reinforced and explained.

Individual Liberty

Within school 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 choices safely,through provision of a safe environment and empowering education. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise rights and personal freedoms and are advised how to exercise these safely, for example through our E-Safety and PSHE lessons. Pupils are given the freedom to make choices, whether through choice of challenge, how they record their work, or individual participation in extra-curricular clubs and opportunities.

Mutual Respect

Assemblies regularly promote 'respect' and pupils have been part of discussions related to what this means and how it is shown. Our school and classroom rules promote respect.When a child does something well their achievement is celebrated in a weekly (fortnightly KS2) 'Mentions Assembly', with parents and family invited.

Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs

This is achieved through enhancing pupils' understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society and by giving them opportunities to experience such diversity. We have regular visits from the local Vicar. We use assemblies to explore and understand the similarities between religions. Curriculum topics include learning about other faiths and most importantly misconceptions between religions are addressed as well as prejudices that have been expressed by the community. We follow the Rotherham agreed syllabus for RE and PSHE teaching.

British Values Statement

Wickersley Northfield is committed to serving its community.It recognises the multi-cultural, multi-faith and ever-changing nature of the United Kingdom.It also understands the vital role it has in ensuring that groups or individuals within the school are not subjected to intimidation or radicalisation by those wishing to unduly, or illegally, influence them.

It follows equal opportunities guidance which guarantees that there will be no discrimination against any individual or group, regardless of faith, ethnicity, gender,sexuality, political or financial status, or similar. Wickersley Northfield is dedicated to preparing pupils for their adult life beyond the formal, examined curriculum and ensuring that it promotes and reinforces British values to all its pupils.

Wickersley Northfield does not have to promote or teach any particular belief, view or way of life that contradicts our out look or ethos; however, we will not promote discrimination, or accept intolerance against people or groups, on the basis of their belief, opinion or background.