PROMOTING BRITISH VALUES AT HARWOOD PARK PRIMARY SCHOOL

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.”

The Government set out its definition of British values in the 2011 Prevention Strategy, and these values were reiterated last year. At Harwood Park these values are taught explicitly through Personal, Social, Health and Emotional (PSHE) and Beliefs and Values (RE). We also teach British Values through planning and delivering a broad and balanced curriculum.

DEMOCRACY

Democracy is an important value at our school. Children have many opportunities for their voices to be heard.

We have a school council which meets once a week. The school councillors are elected by their classmates and each candidate must prepare a short presentation to inform their class why they would make a good school councillor.

Pupils are also selected to take part in pupil interviews once a week. Two pupils from each class from Year 1 – Year 6 offer their views and opinions during this session. The pupil interviews are frequently attended by school governors.

Each year ten Year 5 children apply to be Sports Leaders. If they are appointed they plan and deliver sports based activities at lunchtime with the younger children.

THE RULE OF LAW

The importance of laws and rules whether they are those that govern the class, the school or the country, are consistently reinforced throughout regular school days.

Each class from Nursery to Year 6 have a set of class rules which are devised as a class and displayed within their classroom. 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. Visits from authorities such as the Police and Fire Service help reinforce this message.

To encourage and promote good behaviour, attitude and work, we have devised a reward system which is consistently followed throughout school. At Harwood Park we are committed to praising children’s efforts. We endeavour to praise the children informally, individually, during group work, in front of the whole class and in front of the whole school. Children are rewarded not only for achievement in curriculum areas, but also for attendance and general adherence to our school core values of  Respect, .Perseverance, Co-operation and Kindness. Children’s achievements are also recognised during our weekly celebration assembly.

INDIVIDUAL LIBERTY

At Harwood Park, 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 informed choices, through a safe environment and an empowering education. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised how to exercise these safely, for example through our e-Safety teaching. Pupils are given the freedom  to make choices such as signing up for after school clubs and lunch time clubs.

MUTUAL RESPECT

Respect is one of our four core values at Harwood Park. Children learn that their behaviours have an effect on their own rights and those of others. All members of the school community treat each other with respect.

TOLERANCE OF THOSE WITH DIFFERENT FAITHS AND BELIEFS

Harwood Park is a diverse school. We actively promote diversity through our celebrations of different faiths and cultures. Religious Education lessons and PSHE lessons reinforce messages of tolerance and respect for others. Members of different faiths and religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within the classes and the school. The children visit places of worship that are important to different faiths.