British Values

The Department for Education (DFE) states that there is a 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, Mutual Respect and Tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.”

In accordance with DFE, we aim to actively promote British Values in school to ensure children leave our school prepared for life in modern Britain. Pupils are encouraged to regard people of all faiths, races and cultures with respect and tolerance. They learn to understand that while different people may hold different views about what is ‘right’ and ‘wrong’, all people living in England are subject to the law.

At Abbey Hulton Primary School, we ensure that British Values underpin the ethos and work of our school. Through our curriculum lessons, class discussions and assemblies, we give children the opportunity to deepen their understanding of the importance of British Values. The school ensures children have exposure to a wide experience beyond their local community. For example, attending sporting events with other schools, experiencing a range of visits and having the opportunity to listen to a variety of visiting speakers from different faiths.

Democracy

Democracy is embedded within our school through a range of contexts. Pupils are always listened to by adults and are taught to listen carefully and with concern to each other, respecting the right of every individual to have their opinions and voices heard. At the beginning of each academic year, we hold School Council elections and all children have the opportunity to stand as a prospective candidate and write a manifesto, should they wish to. We transform the small hall into a Polling Station and the children have the experience of voting in a formal election.  Children are able to voice their opinions and ideas through our School Council, who meet regularly to discuss a range of topics regarding our school. Some of our School Councillors also have the opportunity to represent the school on the Orchard Community Trust Pupil Council.

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. 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, fire service and local Councillors show how the rule of law is fundamental to our society.

Individual Liberty

At Abbey Hulton, we value everyone as an individual and we encourage all children to make their own choices and decisions. Through PSHE lessons, pupils are encouraged to learn about, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms. Pupils are encouraged to take responsibility for their own behavior through making the right choices. Children are encouraged to make their own choices, for example, they can choose which after school or lunch clubs they participate in.

Mutual Respect

One of our core values at Abbey Hulton is Respect, and it is accepted by all staff, governors and children that respect is at the heart of everything we do. Children are taught the importance of respect and understand that respect should be shown to everyone.  Both staff and children demonstrate this on a daily basis through their day to day interactions, reinforced through assembly themes and the school values, motto and rules. Through assemblies and the RE and PSHE curriculum, children are taught about different cultures and ways of life and develop understanding and respect for these differences. Children are encouraged to discuss and appreciate difference, including faith, ethnicity, disability, gender and differences in family situations. All are challenged if they are disrespectful in any way. Values are highly visible around the school and rewards are related to our Values and Motto.

Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs

At Abbey Hulton, we place a great emphasis on promoting diversity. Assemblies are regularly planned to link with our Cultural Calendar and we include stories and celebrations from a variety of faiths and cultures. Our RE and PSHE curriculum encourages children to learn about and respect different faiths and cultures. Members of different faiths or religions are invited to speak in assemblies and we have links with schools in the Orchard Community Trust who have more diverse population that ourselves.  We have a strong relationship with St John’s Church, and Reverend Malcolm visits our school regularly to lead assemblies.  The school visit St John’s for a Christmas and Easter service each year.

Prevent

Prevent aims to prevent children and young people from being radicalised by extremist propaganda.

Radicalisation is defined as the act or process of making a person more radical or favouring of extreme or fundamental changes in political, economic or social conditions, institutions or habits of the mind.

Extremism is defined as the holding of extreme political or religious views.

Our ASPIRE values and inclusive ethos ensures that the pastoral care of our children protects them from exposure to negative influences. The RE Agreed Syllabus and the PSHE curriculum are questioning curriculums which encourage children to consider what is right and challenge when they believe things are not right.