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.”
Promoting Fundamental British Values:
At Hatchlands Primary School we actively promote fundamental British values as part of our mission to deliver a broad and balanced curriculum that promotes spiritual, moral, cultural, mental and physical development for all our pupils at school. All members of the school community encourage children to learn alongside each other happily and harmoniously, and are committed to provide the equality of opportunity which all children need, and are entitled to, in order to gain access to the curriculum.
Differences between children are recognised and celebrated and we give all children every opportunity to develop their independence. Our ultimate aim is to give all our children the confidence and enthusiasm to become lifelong learners.
Promoting Spiritual, Moral, Social, Cultural Development
Our pupils benefit from outstanding SMSC development through our strong vision statement that underpins our school values. We believe it’s important to develop inquisitive and enquiring minds, hence the necessity for children to take initiative and personal responsibility for some of their learning. We also believe that it is very important for the school community to work positively together to support the children. We encourage the children to develop personal and social skills through learning with and alongside others, showing respect for themselves and other around them.
Our clear values support all children, staff, governors and community to develop effective relationships throughout the school, and provide the basis for our behaviour policy and PSHE curriculum.
Promoting Democracy
Democracy is evident throughout our school as pupils have the opportunity to have their voices heard through our pupil questionnaires, and via members of the school learning council. Our school’s Behaviour Policy enables pupils to distinguish right from wrong. We encourage a respect for democracy by using the voting process to elect ambassadors for the School Learning Council and the Eco Team.
Promoting the Rule of Law
We explore the importance of Laws/rules, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country. Using the appropriate pitch and language for our children, laws/rules are reinforced, particularly during school and class assemblies. Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind laws; that they govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and about sanctions when laws/rules are broken.
Promoting Individual Liberty
Within school, pupils are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe, caring and supportive environment. From our youngest pupils we encourage our children to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and advise how to exercise these safely, for example through our online safety and PSHE lessons.
Promoting Mutual Respect
Part of our school mission and behaviour policy has revolved around our core values of ‘Respect’, and pupils have been part of discussions and assemblies related to what this means and how it is shown.
Tolerance of and respect for those of all faiths, no faith, different cultures and lifestyles
This is achieved through activities aimed at developing our young pupils understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society and by giving them opportunities to experience such diversity. Class work involves discussions and activities to celebrate our diverse community of different faiths and different cultural heritage. Using age appropriate language we aim to educate our children about prejudices and prejudice-based issues by learning in about these issues in RE and PSHE. Members of different faiths or religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning.