TEACHING BRITISH VALUES
Promoting British Values at Ellel St John’s CE 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.”
At Ellel St John’s CE Primary School we try at all times to live out our Gospel Values, chosen by the school community, and we find that these value help to reinforce the British Values promoted by the Government.
Mission Statement
Loving, Living and Learning in the light of Christ
Our Gospel Values
Service Trust Honesty Compassion
Forgiveness Hope Justice Friendship
BRITISH VALUES
Democracy:
Democracy is extensive within School. Pupils have the opportunity to have their voices heard through our School Council, Eco Council and Pupil Attitude Questionnaire. Pupil Voice is also heard through the pupil interviews which happen after every lesson observation. Our School House system promotes rewards, such as end of term treats for which the pupils vote as a class.
The Rule of Law:
The importance of Laws, whether they be those that affect the class, School, or our country, are reinforced regularly in school assemblies, collective worship, CPSHE, RE and other aspects of the curriculum. Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind laws: that they govern and protect us; the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken. Visits to and visitors from authorities such as the Police; Fire Service; local magistrates; paramedics etc. are regular parts of our school calendar and help reinforce this message.
Individual Liberty:
As a School we educate and provide boundaries for our pupils to make choices through the provision of a safe environment. In the 2016 parent questionnaires, 100% of the parents who returned their questionnaire feel that their child feels safe within School. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and advised how to exercise these safely, through our cross curricular teaching of E-Safety, Computing and CPSHE.
Mutual Respect:
School promotes respect for others and this is modelled by all staff within School and reinforced through class rules which are formulated by the class at the beginning of each school year. Our Christian ethos is based on our 8 Gospel Values outlined above – Justice, Trust, Hope, Friendship, Forgiveness, Truth, Compassion, Service. We have a focus value each half term which underpins daily acts of collective worship.
Respect for Different Faiths and Beliefs:
Ellel St John’s is blessed with a rich and diverse school community with children from all major world faiths, different cultures and countries. All our children are taught to understand and value each other and understand their place in a multi-cultural society. School works closely with parents and the community to ensure inclusivity. World faiths are celebrated in collective worship and RE and members of different faiths are encouraged to share their beliefs and practices to enhance pupils’ understanding. Members of other world faiths are invited to lead collective worship and pupils visit a range of ‘places of worship’ as part of RE lessons throughout their time within School.
