British Values
British Values Statement
At Gainsborough Primary Primary School we value the diversity of backgrounds of all pupils, families and wider school community. We recognise the multi-cultural, multi faith and ever-changing nature of the United Kingdom and understand the vital role we have 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.
Our school reflects British values in all that we do. We aim to nurture our children on their journey through life so they can grow into safe, caring, democratic, responsible and tolerant adults who make a positive difference to British society and to the world. We encourage our children to be creative, unique, open-minded and independent individuals, respectful of themselves and of others in our school, our local community
and the wider world.
We follow 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. Gainsborough Primary School is dedicated to preparing students for their adult life beyond the formal examined curriculum and ensuring that it promotes and reinforces British values to all its students.
The Department for Education states that there is a need (Prevent Duty 2011):
“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 Department for Education defines British Values as follows:
- Respect for democracy and support or participation in the democratic process
- Respect for the basis on which the law is made and applies in England
- Support for equality of opportunity for all
- Support and respect for the liberties of all within the law
- Respect for and tolerance of different faiths and religious and other beliefs
Our school reflects British values in all that we do. We aim to nurture our children on their journey through life so they can grow into safe, caring, democratic, responsible and tolerant adults who make a positive difference to British society and to the world. We encourage our children to be creative, unique, open-minded and independent individuals, respectful of themselves and of others in our school, our local community and the wider world.
We use topics and strategies within the National curriculum and beyond to secure such outcomes for students. The examples that follow show some of the many ways Gainsborough Primary School seeks to embed British values.
At Gainsborough Primary, we actively promote British values in the following ways:
Democracy
- All children are encouraged to debate topics of interest, express their views and make a meaningful contribution to the running of the school on matters that directly involve pupils. Children also have the opportunity to have their voices heard through pupil questionnaires and pupil surveys.
- The principle of democracy is explored in the curriculum as well as during school council elections, assemblies and special days. Year 4s visit the Houses of Parliament as part of their topic work.
- Our new school behaviour policy involves choices, consequences and rewards which the pupils have discussed.
- Gainsborough Primary pupils have had active involvement in the selection processes of new staff.
Rule of Law
- Our school follows ‘Golden Rules’, which are integral to our learning and ethos
every day. - School rules and expectations are clear, fair and regularly promoted.
- Pupils are always helped to distinguish right from wrong (and good choices/bad choices), in the classroom, during assemblies and on the playground.
- Pupils are encouraged to respect the law and Gainsborough Primary enjoys visits from authorities such as the Police, Fire Service, Ambulance, etc. to help reinforce this message
- The Behaviour and Anti-Bullying policies sets out a zero tolerance baseline for aggression, abuse or violence, which extends to pupils, staff and parents
and carers.
Individual Liberty
- Within school, pupils are actively encouraged, and given the freedom to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. eg. by signing up for extra-curricular clubs.
- Pupils are supported to develop their self-knowledge, self-esteem and self-confidence.
- Pupils are encouraged to take responsibility for their behaviour and all staff reinforces this through the language of choices.
- Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised how to exercise these safely, for example through our e-safety teaching and PSHE lessons.
- Vulnerable pupils are protected and stereotypes challenged. A strong anti-bullying culture is embedded in the school and any form of bullying is challenged and addressed. The school also operates a robust system of logging incidents.
- Pupils have key roles and responsibilities in school e.g. Year 5/6 lunch monitors, Junior Librarians, Playground Buddies, etc.
Mutual Respect and Tolerance of Those with Different Faiths and Beliefs
- Respect is very important in our school. The pupils know and understand that it is expected that respect is shown to everyone, adults and children.
- Pupils are helped to acquire an understanding of, and respect for, their own and other cultures and ways of life.
- Staff and pupils are encouraged to challenge prejudicial or discriminatory behaviour. As a school with a resource provision for autism, we teach about differences and understanding those who may seem very different in the way they communicate and behave.
- Links and visits are promoted with local faith communities and places of worship. E.g. Members of different faiths or religions are invited to school to share their knowledge and enhance learning within assemblies and in class.
- Through the PSHE and RE curriculums pupils are encouraged to discuss and respect differences between people, such as differences of faith, ethnicity, disability, gender or sexuality and differences of family situations.
- Assemblies and discussions involving prejudices and prejudiced-based bullying have been followed and supported by learning in RE and PSHE.
- We offer a culturally rich and diverse curriculum in which all major religions are studied and respected and global dimension work embedded in many of our Creative Curriculum topics. These curriculum topics offer children the chance to reflect on our core values and British values.
- Pupils are actively encouraged to share their faith and beliefs within the school and celebrate festivities throughout the calendar year.