Promoting British Values

The DfE have recently 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.”

Our Values curriculum, PSHE curriculum and RE curriculum are fundamental to the teaching of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs. Through this work we actively challenge opinions or behaviours which are contrary to these values. At Great Wood, these values are reinforced regularly through our two-year cycle and in the following ways:

Democracy

We have a school council who are elected which enables the children to understand the democratic process.
Children have the opportunity to make suggestions through our suggestion box which are then discussed by the school council. Recent examples include playground equipment, charities, improvements to toilets.
Classes hold regular class council meeting with the class councillor chairing the meeting. Children have the opportunity to vote for their preferred option.
During local and national elections we learn about the democratic process and invite local candidates into school for hustings.
Children are encouraged to put forward their point of view and defend it whilst listening to and considering other viewpoints.
Children complete an annual questionnaire where they are able to put forward their views about the school which feeds into the school’s self-evaluation.
Representatives from the School Council participate in the Lancaster, Morecambe and District Pupil Parliament. These lessons are then shared with UKS2 back at school.
In UKS2, children take part in the ‘Be the change’ program provided by Lancaster University and learn about how the UK government is formed, the advantages and disadvantages of democracy, take part in a debate and learn about campaigns.
In UKS2, pupils learn about the significance of democracy both past and present.
Pupils are taught how they can influence decision making through the democratic process.

Links to School Values: Respect, Tolerance, Understanding, Cooperation

The Rule of Law

Children are encouraged to consider and draw up a set of class rules at the start of each academic year.
Promotion of our school rules and values which are clear and fair.
Children are taught to understand that there are consequences when rules are not kept and that this impacts on different individuals.
Children are helped to understand and distinguish between right and wrong both in school and the wider community.
Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind rules and laws, that they govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken.
Links with the police and fire services are fostered to develop respect for the law and to help children understand that it protects individuals.
An understanding of law in our country is promoted through assemblies.

Links to School Values: Respect, Co-operation, Courage, Acceptance, Understanding

Individual Liberty

Children are supported pastorally to develop self-confidence, self-esteem and self-knowledge in order to make good choices through the SEAL (Social, Emotional Aspects of Learning) units in our PSHEC curriculum.
Children are given the freedom to take risks and make choices within a safe environment.
Children are taught how to manage risks and the importance of safety during our PSHEC safety theme.
Children are supported and encouraged to take responsibility for their own behaviour.
An anti-bullying culture is promoted strongly and actively within school.
Children are taught how to make safe choices regarding their activity on the internet through online safety theme.
As a school we educate and provide boundaries for young pupils to make informed choices, through a safe environment and an empowering education.
Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and responsibilities and advised how to exercise these safely.

Links to School Values: Respect, Courage, Thoughtfulness, Responsibility

Mutual Respect

This is a fundamental part of everything we do at Great Wood and mutual respect is modelled and taught throughout the school.
Children are taught to be respectful of individual differences through PHSE, assemblies and through everyday exchanges with people in the school and wider community.
Children take part in fundraising activities which help others locally, nationally and globally.
The children learn how their behaviours have an effect on their own rights and those of others. This develops their sense of responsibility.
Many children volunteer to help around the school as monitors.
We challenge stereotypes and the use of derogatory language in lessons and around school.

Links to School Values: Respect, Friendship, Co-operation, Responsibility, Equality, Tolerance, Acceptance, Courtesy

Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs

We actively promote diversity through our celebrations of different faiths and cultures.
Children learn about different faiths in RE.
Members of different faiths and religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school.
The children visit places of worship that are important to different faiths.
RE and PSHE lessons reinforce messages of tolerance and respect for others.
Through RSE we look at different families and challenge stereotypes.
Any behaviour which is discriminatory or shows prejudice is challenged.

Links to School Values: Respect, Tolerance, Empathy, Courtesy, Equality, Acceptance

Great Wood School

"Aim high... and make a difference"