What are British Values?
The government set out its definition of British Values in the 2011 “Prevent” Strategy. These are the values of: democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs.
As a school we aim to:
How do we promote British Values at Scartho Junior Academy?
• Democracy – Democracy can be seen as an equality of rights and privileges. It can also refer to our nation’s electoral systems. At Scartho Junior Academy we ensure that all pupils are given a ‘voice’ to communicate. We empower our pupils by giving them opportunities to make choices about the things that they believe to be important. Our pupil elected school ambassadors plays a strong role in our school. They are elected by their class peers and are involved in making the school a better place to learn. Pupil votes, questionnaires and interviews are also conducted at different points to seek views about school.
• 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.
• Individual liberty – Children at Scartho Junior Academy are encouraged to become good and valued citizens. We do this by supporting each pupil to become as independent as possible. Within school, pupils are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. Children are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and advised how to exercise these safely, for example through our E-Safety and PSHE lessons. In school, children are able to take responsibility for particular roles and to understand that with certain rights comes a level of responsibility. We also support others by participating in charitable events such as, Red Nose Day/Comic Relief and Children in Need. Our REAL Project approach to learning also fully supports this aspect.
• Mutual respect – Mutual respect is at the core of our school life. Our school's anti-bullying and behaviour policy is based on the principles of respecting ourselves, others and the school. Children learn to treat each other and staff with great respect. This is evident when walking around the school and in the classrooms. As children move through the school, we ensure opportunities are planned for pupils to go into the community to meet with a range of people in a variety of situations which include: sports events, community events and shared participation with other schools. Again, this is fully supported and scaffolded by our REAL Project approach to learning.
• Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs – At Scartho Junior Academy each person is respected and valued equally without regard to ability, gender, faith, heritage or race. 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 are regularly planned to address this issue either directly or through the inclusion of stories and celebrations from a variety of faiths and cultures. Our RE curriculum encompasses major world faiths and promotes respect and tolerance.