British Values
British Values at Perryfields Infant School
At Perryfields Infant School we want our pupils to become responsible, active citizens who participate in democracy and public life with a respect for diversity and a commitment to working towards greater community cohesion.
At Perryfields Infant School we actively promote, uphold and teach pupils about the British Values which are defined as:
- democracy
- rule of law
- individual liberty
- mutual respect
- tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs
Our school takes opportunities to actively promote British Values through our daily acts of collective worship in school assemblies. These values are taught explicitly through Personal, Social, Health and Emotional (PSHE) and Religious Education (RE). With effective relationships throughout the school and a wide range of activities beyond the classroom, we ensure pupils’ social, moral, spiritual and cultural development.
The overarching aims of this provision are to:
- Enable pupils to develop self-knowledge, self-esteem and self-confidence;
- Enable pupils to distinguish right from wrong and to respect the law/rules of England;
- Encourage pupils to accept responsibility for their behaviour, show initiative, and to understand how they can contribute positively to the school community and to society;
- Further tolerance and harmony between different cultures by enabling pupils to appreciate and respect their own and others cultures;
- Encourage respect for other people;
- Encourage respect for democracy.
British Values are promoted in so much we do already, below are just a few examples of how we promote British Values at Perryfields Infant School.
Democracy
Children, parents and staff have many opportunities for their voices to be heard at Perryfields Infant School. Democracy is central to how we operate. Children and adults are invited to take part in annual questionnaires. Decisions concerning numerous school events are debated in classes before a final decision is made. Communication across the year groups is through the School Council. The election of these members reflects our British electoral system and demonstrates democracy in action. Made up of two representatives from each class, the School Council meets regularly to discuss different issues raised by all the classes.
The School Council is able to genuinely effect change within the school; in the past the School Council have been involved with decisions on playground equipment, staff recruitment, charity events, lunchtime rules, school code of conduct, school core values and school fund raising events.
At the beginning of each school year children contribute to class rules and to the life of the school; e.g. classroom and library monitors. Children are asked at the beginning of each new topic, ‘what do I already know and what do I want to learn?’
The children become aware of and respect the different opinions of others and begin to discuss and debate topical issues in both smaller and larger groups.
The Rule of Law
The importance of rules and laws, whether they be those that govern our school or our country, are referred to and reinforced often, such as in assemblies, our PSHE curriculum, our Question of the Week (Big Question) and when reflecting on behaviour choices.
Pupils are taught that, while different people may hold different views about what is ‘right’ and ‘wrong’, all people living in England are subject to its law. They are taught the value and reasons behind laws, that they govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when rules and laws are broken.
Regular visits from authorities such as the police, ambulance service, etc. are regular parts of our calendar and help reinforce this message.
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 education, we provide boundaries for our pupils to make choices safely.
Our pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are taught how to exercise these safely, such as in our e-safety and PSHE lessons.
They have a developing awareness of their own needs, views and feelings and are sensitive to the needs, views and feelings of others.
Mutual respect and tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs
Through our Core Values and school ethos all members of Perryfields Infant School know that it is expected and imperative that respect is shown to everyone, whatever differences we may have. Children learn that their behaviour choices have an effect on their own rights and those of others. All members of the school community should treat each other with tolerance and respect.
Our cross curricular thematic approach, linked to a strong SMSC provision, enables our children to explore a wide range of religious beliefs and customs.
During our planned festival days children will study beliefs, traditions and customs, with visitors being invited into our school to enrich and extend