British Values
Promoting British Values at Hawkedale 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 2014.
At Hawkedale these values are reinforced regularly in the following ways:
Democracy
We have house captains for the four houses and these are elected democratically by the children at the start of each academic year. The house captains meet regularly through the year with the headteacher and decide on a number of issues for example what charity will the school be supporting, what ideas for fundraising can we think of and how can we improve certain areas of the school.
The principle of democracy is explored further through the topic based curriculum with the children having their say in what they would like to explore, what the role plays will look like and what the impact new resources/workshop have had on the learning. We also have regular questionnaires for the children on a variety of topics from school lunches to playground resources. The results are then discussed with the house captains, staff and governors and actions are created in response to the children’s views.
Rule of Law
The importance of laws/rules, whether they be those that govern the class, the school or the country are consistently reinforced at Hawkedale through certificates being given at celebration assemblies and the consistent rewards and sanctions in the school. We ensure school rules and expectations are clear, fair and consistent. We help pupils to distinguish right from wrong.
These combined teach the children the values and reasons behind rules and laws; that they govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken.
Individual Liberty
Our children are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. Children are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised how to do this safely through our learning on e-safety, the PSHE curriculum, circle time discussions and assemblies. Whether it be through the choice of what lunch they choose, of how they record their learning, of participation in our extra- curricular clubs and opportunities, children are given the freedom to make choices.
Mutual Respect and Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs
Mutual respect is at the heart of our values – everything we do we do together. Children learn that their behaviours have an effect on their own rights and the rights of others.
Our diverse curriculum helps us to learn respect and tolerance for others, celebration days, workshops and assemblies are regularly planned to address respect and tolerance. Parents of different religions and/or cultures are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance the learning within the school as well as regular visits from the local church and chapel representatives.
At Hawkedale we strive to ensure that the children will leave us with a strong foundation of values upon which they can build a successful life and make a positive contribute to society.
