How we promote British Values at St James' CE Primary

The DFE has recently reinforced the need ‘to create and enforce a clear and rigorous expectation for 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 St James' we are dedicated to promoting values which ensure our pupils develop a strong sense of social and moral responsibility which will prepare them for life in modern Britain. We would like to share with our parents how we promote these values.

Democracy

St James' values the pupils’ voice so we ask them about their learning, their concerns and for their ideas about how we can make things better for them. We do this by using pupil questionnaires, Agents for Change Ambassadors and through our Pupil Governors. At the start of each year, pupils vote for their class representatives through an election process.

The Rule of Law

The pupils understand the school rules and what happens if these rules are broken. At the start of each year, classes discuss class rules and agree a charter to abide by. During lessons and assemblies pupils learn about the importance of having rules and how these relate to laws. We use a range of resources to promote moral, spiritual, social and cultural awareness among our pupils. Our pupils have a well-developed sense of justice. They understand and are able to discuss why there needs to be consequences for those who break the rules or laws. By being immersed in the ethos of the schools, our pupils learn about their responsibility to be law abiding citizens.

Individual Liberty

Alongside rules and laws, we promote freedom of choice and the right to respectfully express views and beliefs. Through the provision of a safe, supportive environment and empowering education, we provide boundaries for our pupil’s, to make choices safely; for example:

• Choices around the participation in extra-curricular activities
• Choices about lunchtime options

Our behaviour policy is built on the principle that pupils are responsible for their own actions and choices and that these have consequences. The academy sanctions system provides reflection time where pupils are able to think about the impact of their choices. The staff provide opportunities for pupils to freely come and discuss anything which may be concerning them. During e-Safety lessons and Assemblies, pupils are taught how to keep themselves safe whilst they exercise their rights and personal freedoms. Safeguarding is embedded in every aspect of life at our schools.

Mutual Respect and Tolerance

Our ethos at St James' is based on care, kindness and mutual respect. Adults actively model respect with one another - and with the pupils - in how we speak to and treat one another. St James' is a multicultural community, which means we are fortunate to be surrounded by endless diversity which we respect and celebrate. Whilst we are a Church of England School, we offer a culturally rich and diverse curriculum in which all major religions are studied and respected. Parents and leaders of different faiths are welcomed to the school to share their beliefs, while we also visit numerous places of worship. At St James' we strongly believe that tolerance is gained through knowledge and understanding. Through our curriculum and the routines of our daily school life, we strive to demonstrate tolerance and help children to become knowledgeable and understanding citizens who can build a better Britain for the future.

At St James' CE Primary we will actively challenge pupils, parents or staff who express opinions contrary to fundamental British Values, including extremist views.

British Values through the Curriculum

Interwoven within the curriculum in a range of curriculum areas are planned opportunities to teach the values of our society. Some examples are

• Religious Education: Gaining a greater understanding of religious diversity and practices which covers key religions represented in the UK. All pupils have the opportunity to visits places of worship that are important to different to faiths. St James' actively promotes diversity through celebrations of different faiths and cultures.
• Physical Education: Promotion of the concept of “fair play”, following and developing rules, inclusion, celebrating and rewarding success, being magnanimous in defeat and participation in activities that promote kinship and affiliation with others.
• Computing: Pupils are also taught about respect and bullying in the online world through our learning platform and though regular e-safety lessons.
• Pupil Governors: Promotion of democratic processes, fostering the concept and application of freedom of speech and group action to address needs and concerns. Key to this is the concept of holding others to account, including those in positions of influence and authority.
• Community Events: We work closely with charities and organisations. We encourage our pupils to interact with pupils from other schools, both locally and further afield, though organised activities.