British Values
Promoting Fundamental British Values
The Department for Education has published guidance to schools on promoting British values to prepare young people for life in modern Britain. At South Park Primary School we take this responsibility very seriously and we actively promote the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs.
These concepts are embodied in our core values or Self-belief, Perseverance, Pride and Success and are explored through our curriculum and in all subjects but in Religious Education and PSHE and Citizenship, in particular, where children can deepen their understanding. We make great efforts to ensure our children are exposed to a wide range of experiences beyond their own community. We do this through school visits in and around London and beyond. This enables children to embrace difference and celebrate commonality between peoples alongside developing a pride in Britishness and a sense of belonging to our nation.
DEMOCRACY
"An educated, enlightened & informed population is one of the surest ways of promoting the health of a democracy"
At South Park Primary School we listen to the views of children and we do this through a variety of means including:
• Pupil surveys
• Circle time
• A thriving School Council elected by children
• A strong ethos of team work and debate where children are encouraged to express clearly their view point and listen to the views of others respectfully
• Children take the initiative and lead in aspects of the school such as charitable appeals and fund raising.
THE RULE OF LAW
"...only world law can assure progress towards a civilised peaceful community."
Our school has 5 agreed rules which promote the well-being of the individual and the school as a whole. Each class reinforces these rules and they are a central part of the school ethos. They are
Do your best Don’t waste time
Be honest Don’t hide the truth
Listen to others Don’t interrupt
Respect others Don’t be unkind
Look after property Don’t damage things
The school has a positive behaviour policy that sets out rewards and sanctions. We encourage children to recognise that with rights comes responsibility.
INDIVIDUAL LIBERTY
"One child, one teacher, one book, and one pen, can change the world.’’
We support children to make informed choices in a secure setting. Children develop self-respect and value themselves as individuals. Our school ethos, and methods of teaching, develop children’s independence as well as other qualities such as perseverance and resilience. 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 pupils to make choices safely, through the provision of a safe environment and by developing the skills needed to manage the environment that they are in. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and advised how to exercise these safely, for example through our teaching of e-Safety and PSHE.
MUTUAL RESPECT
"We must learn to live together as brothers and sisters, or we will perish together as fools"
Respect is a core value of our school and underpins our ethos. Respect is shown by all adults and children towards each other and towards our community. Our wide and broad curriculum supports this and helps children to articulate what respect means in practice. Children can talk about their own faith and beliefs as well as the faiths and beliefs of others. Good behaviour and respecting others is rewarded during our weekly Achievement Assemblies
TOLERANCE OF THOSE WITH DIFFERENT FAITHS AND BELIEFS
"The highest result of education is tolerance"
Through Religious Education and PSHE and Citizenship, in particular, we deepen children’s understanding of faith and belief. We participate in a wide range of celebrations such as Chinese New Year, Diwali, Eid and Christmas and as well as many others. We welcome visitors from our community and have themed weeks to enrich understanding of culture. We have an emphasis on British culture and celebrate Saints days throughout the year.
At South Park Primary School we view these fundamental British values as universal moral beliefs that are commonly held across the world. We teach these through a distinct curriculum that recognises the unique culture of Britain and so successfully develop in our pupils a pride in being part of the British nation.