Promoting British Values

The DfE have reinforced 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.

The Government set out its definition of British values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy.  At Hollyfast Primary School, these values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways:

Democracy

As our pupils progress through the school our curriculum emphasises many aspects of democracy.  The school has an active School Council, Junior Leadership Team, House Captains and Head Boy and Girl.  The school also has various Ambassadors across the curriculum.

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 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.  Visits from authorities such as the Police and the Fire Service help reinforce this message.

Individual Liberty

Within the 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 provision of a safe environment and empowering education.  Pupils 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 Jigsaw PSHE lessons.  Whether it be through choice of learning 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

Mutual Respect is at the heart of our values.  Children learn that their behaviours have an effect on their own rights and those of others.  All members of the school community treat each other with respect.

Tolerance of those of different Faiths and Beliefs.

Hollyfast Primary School is situated in an area which is greatly diverse, therefore, we place a great emphasis on promoting diversity with the children.

Assemblies are regularly delivered to mark celebrations from different cultures and faiths as well as learning directly about the practises, customs and important stories.  Our RE and PSHE teaching reinforce this.  Members of different faiths or religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school.  Children visit places of worship that are important to different faiths.  We also invite visitors of different faiths to come in to school and share their experiences and stories.

We also help the children to embrace events from the past and recognise how they continue to shape our lives today, particularly through our work during Black History month.