Together in God’s love we care, trust and respect
Promoting British Values Statement
The DFE have reinforced the need ‘to create a clear and rigorous expectation on all schools to promote fundamental British Values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.’
St Francis Church of England Primary School is committed to serving its community and surrounding areas. It recognises the multi-cultural, multi-faith and ever changing nature of the United Kingdom, and therefore those it serves. St Francis CE Primary understands the important role it has ensuring that groups or individuals within the school are not subjected to intimidation or radicalisation by those wishing to unduly, or illegally, influence them.
Our School, as a voluntary aided church school, accepts admissions from all those entitled to an education under British law, including pupils of all faiths or none. It follows the policies outlined by its Governing Body regarding equal opportunities, which ensure there will be no discrimination against any individual or group, regardless of faith, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, political or financial status, or similar. It seeks to serve all.
The Government emphasises that schools are required to ensure that key British Values are taught in all UK schools. The Government set out its definition of British values in the ‘Prevent Strategy’ – Values of:
Democracy
Democracy is seen in school through our School Council work and numerous opportunities for pupils to express their opinions and views through pupil voice and other pupil voice groups. The concept of free speech is fostered through, listening to children’ views and opinions, both through school council, and pupil interviews and questionnaires. We carry out elections for School Council, House Captain and Christian Voice representatives which introduces children to the process of democratic election. Also important in this work is the idea of holding others to account including those in positions of authority and influence. Our School behaviour policy and School Charter involves all of us making the right choices, thinking about our rights and responsibilities. Positive rewards using the School Charter are seen on a daily basis. Our School values also reflect our belief that all views should be respected. Our focus on a Study of London and the democratic process through the work of the Government is explored in Year 6.
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 the school day. They are reinforced through our positive behaviour policy and through discussions in PSHE and Collective Worship. Pupils are always taught the value and reasons behind laws and rules, 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 are part of our curriculum and help reinforce this message. Our School Charter is a strong focus in guiding our behaviour and choices.
Individual Liberty
Our pupils are actively encouraged to make choices in a safe and supportive environment. We spend time reflecting on the ‘right’ choices and educate and provide children with safe boundaries in which for them to explore, develop and flourish. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms; for example in PSHE lessons or through the work we do around E-Safety. Children are given opportunities in which to make choices; through the way they record their work and homework, present their learning outcomes to the extra-curricular clubs and opportunities they sign up for.
Mutual Respect
Our core values are built around Care, Trust and Respect and are embedded in our ethos and the everyday working life of the school. The values are lived out by the community at St Francis and are reflected in our Collective Worship and lessons. Mutual respect for each other is a key aspect of how we all work to treat one another. The school community explores and discusses what ‘respect’ means and what it looks like in practice on an ongoing basis and staff and children live and breathe this each day. Our Emotional Literacy Support work reinforces this for children who need extra guidance, allowing them to build on their self-esteem or develop their awareness and respect for others. Our School Charter guides us in this aspect also.
Tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs
We believe this is achieved through enhancing pupils’ understanding of their place in both the local community and the world around them – a world which is culturally rich and diverse. The range of opportunities that we give the children to think about tolerance, and how events in the past have shaped the future, are wide ranging. We mark and reflect on Remembrance each year, with our own poppy decorated WWII soldier and horse made of willow in the school grounds as a constant reminder of others sacrifice. Through the study of World History, children are able to gain an understanding of how Britain changed throughout periods such as the Stone Age and Iron Age and the impact of Romans in Britain. Children also are given the opportunity to reflect on eras such as Early Islamic Civilization and appreciate the key contribution this made to the development of the western world. We encourage visits from people of other faiths into school to talk to the children and we discuss key events and celebrations form other cultures and religions.
In Religious Education, we study the diversity of the world and different religious beliefs and practices. We follow the Hampshire Agreed syllabus, ‘Living Difference’ which encapsulates the key religions represented in the UK. Supported by “Understanding Christianity”.