British Values Statement
The Department for Education states that there is a 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- Respect for democracy and support or participation in the democratic process
At the start of each school year each class (from Year 1 upwards) vote in two school council representatives which give children a say on small-level decisions that are made at Devoran School. The council meet fortnightly with the lead adult to discuss any issues that rose in class and across the school. Individual children are also chosen to be class monitors and playground buddies. We teach our children to be respectful of themselves and others. They are given a voice and that voice is heard. We participate in fundraising for many charities for example Shelter Box where we raised funds through holding a ‘tag day’ and wearing green and we are proud of our achievements in this area. Children are also taught that they can make a difference through decisions made and actions shown.
The Rule of Law – Respect for the basis on which the law is made and applies in
Pupils are taught the rules as soon as they enter school. Each class and Key Stage have an agreed set of rules and a behaviour expectations. The children are aware of the consequences of not following the school or class rules and learn to understand the difference between right and wrong. We follow a rigorous behaviour system and have adapted a sanctions board, where there is an opportunity for children to put right what has been done wrong.
Individual Liberty – Support and respect for the liberties of all within the law
Children are both encouraged and given the freedom to make choices and to respect the choices, decisions and beliefs of other children. They are also encouraged to give their opinions and share these ideas with due regard for the feelings of others. As part of our PSHE Jigsaw and Religious Education curriculum we place an emphasis on their social and emotional learning and working in partnership. This is also followed during whole school assemblies where we celebrate achievements both in and out of school through certificates, trophies and stickers.
Mutual Respect – Support for equality of opportunity for all
Children are reminded about the importance of respecting themselves and those around them. We also teach them to be respectful of their school, resources and environment. Adults model this throughout the school day and there are set themes for assemblies. Children’s work is celebrated during Friday’s assemblies where children show both respect and appreciation.
Tolerance – Respect for and tolerance of those different faiths and religious and other beliefs
We promote diversity through our celebrations of different faiths and cultures. During Religious Education, Jigsaw programme and whole school assemblies, we reinforce messages of tolerance and respect for others. Children are given opportunities to share their beliefs with their class and through this sharing we learn to be more tolerant, respectful and knowledgably about other faiths, religions and beliefs. The children visit places of worship that are important to different faiths as part of the curriculum. We recognise that not everyone’s home life is the same so children are also given opportunities to speak about any issues affecting them in a safe, non-judgmental environment.
British Traditions and Heritage
At Devoran School we celebrate the role of Britain both historically and in the present through our curriculum. This involves celebrating any Royal events, Remembrance Day, festivals such as Harvest, Christmas and Easter alongside those from other cultures such as Eid, Diwali and the Chinese New Year.
