British Values
The Department for Education has introduced a statutory duty for schools to promote British Values more actively from September 2014, and to ensure they are taught in schools.
At Marshfield Primary School we take very seriously our responsibility to prepare children for life in modern Britain. We value the ethnic backgrounds of all pupils and families and undertake a variety of events and lessons to celebrate and explore these alongside other cultures in our country.
We ensure that the fundamental British Values are introduced, discussed and lived out through the ethos and work of the school. All curriculum areas provide a vehicle for furthering understanding of these concepts. Our cross curricular approach provides excellent opportunities to deepen and develop understanding developing the spiritual, moral, social and cultural education of our children.
The school makes considerable efforts to ensure children have exposure to a wide experience beyond their local community during which these concepts are shown, through for example, sporting events, a range of visits and use of outdoor education centres. Their strong rooted values-based understanding gives them an excellent platform for embracing difference.
At Marshfield, we value the voice of the child and promote democratic processes such as our school council whose members are voted for by the children. Ideas and events are planned and discussed with a chance for debate and putting forward points of view.
Children are given responsibility to run their own clubs and lead other children in games and activities so that they are fully involved in all aspects of school life. We expect all our children to be good role models for each other, which is encouraged through high expectations of behaviour.
Fundamental British Values
Democracy
Statement |
Evidence |
Impact |
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The children at Marshfield Primary see democracy borne out in a whole variety of ways and see this as being an essential component of successful team working |
The establishment of a new School Council each year models the democratic process. Sports Leaders and Connect Advisors play an active role in maintaining equality and raising the voices of all children. Learning Walks for behaviour and behaviour for learning School Values. Enrichment visits. |
Children are able to work cooperatively in pairs and groups as well as in whole class situations. They understand about turn taking and respecting the views of others. Children in school and in KS2 particular are able to use the language of respect. |
Rule of Law
Statement |
Evidence |
Impact |
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The children at Marshfield Primary are familiar with this concept through the philosophy that infuses the entire work of the school. They are familiar with the concept through the discussion of values and, in RE lessons, the idea that different religions have guiding principles Children are used to debating and discussing laws/rules and their application. Children are familiar with the local Police who visit to talk to them informally. |
Class Rules School Rules/Learning Behaviours School Values lessons on the role of law and parliament School Council meetings. Collective Worship. RE planning and work books. Learning Walks for behaviour and behaviour for learning. |
Children are able to articulate how and why we need to behave in school and demonstrate they understand and can abide by these. Children all know that they have a right but that with a right comes a responsibility. They are able to discuss and debate philosophical issues in relation to these. |
Individual Liberty
Statement |
Evidence |
Impact |
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Our Values based discussions and acts of worship begin with discussion about the self, e.g. self–respect and self-worth in relation to the individual value so that children see that they are important in their own right. The philosophy of our teaching and learning places emphasis on the right to have our own thoughts and evidence based views Children are strongly encouraged to develop independence in learning and to think for themselves |
Children are able to show independence in learning and to think for themselves.
Connect Advisors help to support children to regulate their feelings and support each other. |
Children understand about the importance of accepting responsibility and of their right to be heard in school. They are consulted on many aspects of school life and demonstrate independence of thought and action. |
Mutual Respect and the Tolerance of those with different Faiths and Beliefs
Statement |
Evidence |
Impact |
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Respect is a fundamental school value, around which pivots much of the work of the school. We pay explicit attention to this as part of our RE, PHSE, and SMSC curriculum. Respect is a school value that is discussed deeply, starting with self-respect and covering respect for family, friends, and other groups; the world and its people; and the environment |
Records of Collective Worship. RE curriculum RE planning and workbooks.
Learning Walks for behaviour and behaviour for learning School Values Enrichment visits.
Celebration of respect being shown through rewarding children with 'respect' badges and through whole school and parent/carer weekly celebrations. |
Children can articulate that respect is a school value and why respect is important; how they show respect to others and how they feel about it for themselves. Children’s behaviour demonstrates their good understanding of this value in action. Children are able to talk about the different faiths and cultures they learn about, ask questions and show tolerance and respect for others of different faiths and religions. |