Promoting British Values at Leesland C of E Federation

 

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.”

 

Democracy:

Democracy is embedded within the school. Pupils have the opportunity to have their voices heard through our School Council, pupil surveys and opportunities within class/whole school discussions as well as through Philosophy for Children (P4C). Examples of pupil voice having a real impact on decisions made at Leesland include voting for School Councillors/Leesland Leaders and House Captains and transition projects with Year 2 and 3 pupils to enhance the school grounds.

 

The Rule of Law:

The importance of Laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced throughout the regular school day, as well as when dealing with behaviour and through school assemblies. Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind laws or rules, 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 Services are regular parts of our school calendar and help reinforce this message.  Our school rules of Be Ready, Be Safe, Be Respectful reinforce the importance of following the rules for the benefit of everyone.  

 

Individual Liberty:

Within school, pupils are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. Across the federation 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 their rights and personal freedoms and are advised on how to exercise these safely, for example through our E-Safety and Philosophy for Children (P4C) lessons as well as through the ‘hidden curriculum’ of Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural development (SMSC). Whether it be through choice of challenge, of how they record, of participation in our numerous extra-curricular clubs and opportunities, pupils are given the freedom to make choice. 

 

Mutual Respect:

Part of our schools’ ethos and behaviour policy has revolved around values such as respect and inclusion and these values determine how we live as a community at Leesland. Pupils have been part of discussions and assemblies related to what this means and how it is shown. This is reiterated through our Christian Values (Love, Grace and Respect), Learning Behaviours and our Behaviour Policy (our rules are Be Ready, Be Safe, Be Respectful). Collective Worship is based on ‘Christian Values for Life’ which are central to how we expect everyone to go about their life at our school. 

 

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. This is done specifically through , Collective Worship, Philosophy for Children (P4C) and RE, as well as across the whole curriculum where relevant through links with SMSC. We use opportunities such as the Olympics and World Cup to study and learn about life and culture in countries such as South Korea and Brazil. Cohorts also have topics based around different areas of the world with learning about different cultures and customs.