British Values

Promoting British Values at Malmesbury Church of England Primary School

The DfE have recently 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, and these values have been reiterated this year (2014).   At the heart of our work are our school values. At Malmesbury CofE Primary these values are reinforced regularly through our cycle of collective worship throughout the year. The house system is used to reinforce the promotion of these values. Pupils who positively demonstrate these values in action are rewarded with house points by all staff.

Our Values

Love   

Love for myself, Love for others, Love for God

Respect

I respect myself, treat others, as I would like to be treated and value what I have around me

Kindness

I am friendly helpful and polite

Courage   

I have faith, I believe in myself and I rise to a challenge

Independence

I am resilient, resourceful and reflective.

Creativity   

I use my imagination to explore and share ideas

Many of the fundamental British Values are promoted through our school values but there are also specific actions to further support and promote them.

Democracy

Pupils have an annual survey to complete on school life and there are numerous opportunities set where they are able express their views about particular aspects of school life. These are sometimes set up by the School Leadership Team, Governors or emerge from activities that pupils have organised.

Each new school year pupils decide upon their class rules and the rights associated with these. All the children contribute to the drawing up of the class rules.   Y6 Pupils have termly house meetings to nominate new House Captains. Staff then consider the nominations and the office of House Captain is awarded on merit.

The Rule of Law

The importance of rules and laws those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced at Malmesbury.  Pupils are taught the rules of the school from an early age. There are also Playground Rules and Safety Rules for various activities. Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind rules and laws. They are taught that rules and laws govern and protect us,the responsibilities that upholding them involves and the consequences when laws are broken. Visits from authorities such as the Police and Fire Service help reinforce this message.

Individual Liberty

At Malmesbury pupils are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. We provide a safe, caring environment with clear boundaries for younger and older pupils to make informed choices, and foster this through an empowering, creative curriculum (IPC). Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and advised how to do so safely, for example through our eSafety and Learn 4 Life lessons.

Mutual Respect

Mutual respect is at the heart of our school values. Pupils 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

At Malmesbury we actively promote diversity through our celebrations of different faiths and cultures. Our school values Religious Education and Learn 4 Life lessons alongside our Christian foundation reinforce messages of tolerance and respect for others. Links with the clergy at Malmesbury Abbey and the involvement of our Foundation Governors reinforce this. Members of different faiths and religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school. The pupils visit places of worship or learn from visiting speakers the things that are important to different faiths.