British Values
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.”
At Oughtrington Primary School these values are actively promoted and reinforced regularly in the following ways:
Democracy
Democracy is all around us at Oughtrington. Pupils have the opportunity to have their voices heard through our School Council and Pupil questionnaires. Each class goes through a full election process at the end of the year, where all children get to vote for their class representative. The elected member then holds class discussions and takes any ideas forward to the main school council meetings. The school council work closely with the Senior Leadership Team to implement suggested changes. They have helped to introduced our whole school reward process, helped develop the outdoor learning environment and the structure of the school day as well as much, much more. Children also have an annual questionnaire with which they are able to put forward their views about their 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 Oughtrington. Pupils are taught the school's Code of Conduct from an early age in the Foundation Stage. The Code of Conduct is continually reinforced throughout school with all pupils. Children have the opportunity to contribute to our Code of Conduct which has the theme of Ready, Respectful and Safe. The children are aware of the consequences of not following the Code of Conduct in school. The children learn to understand the difference between right and wrong in all aspects of school life throughout the day. There is an opportunity for children to put right what has been done wrong, wherever possible. Children are given opportunity to understand aspects of civil and criminal law and discuss how this might be different from some religious laws. Pupils in our school expect and receive a fair system where actions are always respectfully justified. Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind rules and laws; that they exist to govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken. Visits from authorities such as the Local Police and Fire Service help reinforce this message.
Individual Liberty
Within school, 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 choices safely, through our provision of a safe environment and empowering education. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and advise how to exercise these safely, for example through our online safety and PSHCE lessons. 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 choices.
Mutual Respect
Our whole school ethos and behaviour policy revolves around mutual ‘Respect’, and pupils are taught this through assemblies, PSHCE, RSE lessons and circle time sessions. Displays around school promote our core termly values with respect for others being a key one. Respect is reiterated through our classroom and learning rules, as well as our behaviour policy.
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. Assemblies and discussions involving prejudices and prejudice-based bullying have been followed and supported by learning in RE, PSHCE and RSE. Members of many different faiths or religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within assemblies and RE lessons. Part of our RE curriculum involves class visits to local places of worship.
We work tirelessly to build a culture that will stand the test of time, where our pupils can become good, effective citizens. We teach our children to respect everyone regardless of any differences. At Oughtrington Primary School we will actively challenge pupils, staff or parents expressing opinions contrary to fundamental British Values, including ‘extremist’ views.
Jigsaw PSHE
Our PSHE programme, Jigsaw, covers British Values in every lesson. Jigsaw lessons are mapped against the fundamental British values of democracy, rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs. All Jigsaw lessons contribute to one or more of these values in some way which allows dedicated time for children to learn, discuss and explore British Values in detail. Examples are, the ‘Being Me in My World’ Puzzle covers most of the values whereas the ‘Healthy Me’ Puzzle provides ample opportunities for learning about mutual respect, individual liberty and the rule of law. See the document below to see how British Values are mapped across the Jigsaw PSHE lessons.
