British values

Promoting British Values Bligh Primary School

At Bligh Primary School we celebrate 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 Bligh Primary School British values are celebrated and reinforced regularly and in the following ways:

Democracy

Democracy is rife within the school. Pupils have the opportunity to have their voices heard through our pupil parliament and pupil questionnaires and regularly have the opportunity to express their views. The elections for head girl and boy are based solely on pupil votes.  Our school rules and rewards are discussed with the children and decided collectively.

The Rule of Law

The importance of laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced throughout regular school days, as well as when dealing with behaviour and through school assemblies. Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind laws, that they govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken. We focus on the rules of behaviour in our school of children always being 'Ready, Respectful and Safe'.

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 (having safe adults and worry boxes/bags) 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 E-Safety and PSHE 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

Part of our school ethos and behaviour policy has revolved around core values such as ‘Respect’, and pupils have been part of discussions and assemblies related to what this means and how it is shown. Respect for others is reiterated through our classroom and learning rules, as well as our behaviour policy. PE lessons promote the concept of ‘fair play’.  Our school expects everyone to be 'Ready, Respectful and Safe'.

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 (where stories, images, events and music promote the values) and discussions involving prejudices and prejudice-based bullying have been followed and supported by learning in RE (Religious Education lessons cover key religions represented in the UK, to promote understanding of religious diversity and practices) and PSHE. Members of different faiths or religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school.

We believe that sharing our values with parents, carers and our community is essential in supporting the children through their journey in school and life. We acknowledge and understand the importance of the role that our community has to play and appreciate the need to inform them of the values work that we do. We do this through regular updates, newsletters, assemblies, inviting parents to share in activities and through our website.

Treating others with tolerance and respect, being inclusive and accepting of difference, engaging with others with generosity, particularly when they are in difficulty, aspiring for the highest standards, behaving with honesty and integrity, behaving with care and responsibility to our environment – we hope that through their time at , these are the values that are modelled and reinforced for our children.

For more information, view DfE Guidance for Promoting Fundamental British Values through SMSC.