TEACHING BRITISH VALUES
Promoting British Values at Moorfield 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 were reiterated in 2015. Alongside our school values programme we promote and learn about British values through our ‘Picture News’ Key Stage assemblies and classroom follow up. Every child and member of staff are in a ‘House’ named after the four British Values.
At Moorfield these values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways:
Democracy
We have a Primary Leadership Team (PLT) who meet regularly with the Headteacher to discuss issues raised in class meetings and discussions. The PLT are genuinely able to effect change within the school.
We have Head Pupils, Deputy Head Pupils and Senior Prefects voted for by the staff. Requirements of their role include: being an exemplary role model for others in the school by manner, dress, overall appearance and attitude to others; to lead a House and always promote the correct values and standards of behaviours.
Children have an annual questionnaire where they are able to put forward their views about the school.
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 Moorfield. Pupils are taught from an early age the rules of the school. These are our ‘Moorfield Way’ Rules and are promoted through our Behaviours for Learning Policy. 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 Moorfield, 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 eSafety, RSE and PSHE lessons.
Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs and Mutual Respect
At Moorfield we actively promote diversity through our celebrations of different faiths and cultures. Collective Worship, Religious Education lessons and PSHE lessons reinforce messages of tolerance and respect for others. Members of different faiths and religions 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. 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.
