British Values Statement
At Bannockburn Primary School we ensure that through our school vision, values, rules, curriculum and teaching we promote tolerance and respect for all cultures, faiths and lifestyles. We value the ethnic backgrounds of all our pupils and families and undertake a variety of events and lessons to celebrate and explore these alongside other cultures in our country.
We have found this approach to be enriching for all parties as it teaches tolerance and respect for the differences in our community and the wider world. We believe that we have a duty to prepare our children for life in modern Britain and to keep them safe.
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.
At Bannockburn these values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways:
Democracy
Children have many opportunities for their voices to be heard. We value the voice of our children and promote democratic processes such as our house captains and junior leadership team whose members are voted for by the children. Ideas and events are planned and discussed with a chance for debate, giving opportunities for different points of view.
Junior Leadership team members are invited to work alongside staff and governors in the employment of new staff and are regularly invited to be part of the interview process by being given the opportunity to speak to prospective candidates and to ask questions.
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 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 Fire Service help reinforce this message.
Individual Liberty
Within 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 lessons. Whether it is 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
Respect is one of our core values which is discussed in depth. Children learn that their behaviours have an effect on their own rights and those of others. Our Behaviour Policy engenders our basic belief in mutual respect. This is integral in classroom rules and is reinforced in day to day teaching and assemblies. All staff promote and demonstrate respect for others. This is also reflected in older students in their roles as House Captains, as well as those who represent the Junior Leadership Team. Achievement is celebrated across the school; in Achievement assemblies, through letters to parents and through our website and newsletter.
Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs
Bannockburn is situated in an area of great culturally diversity and we celebrate and promote diversity with the children. Assemblies are regularly planned to address this either directly or through the inclusion of stories and celebrations from a variety of faiths and cultures. Our RE and PSHE teaching reinforce this. Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs is promoted in RE as children gain a greater understanding of religious diversity and practices for those religions represented in the UK. Planning for RE is directed by the Royal Greenwich Agreed Syllabus for RE.
Members of different faiths or religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school. Children regularly visit places of worship that are important to different faiths.
Examples of celebrating British Values
As a whole school, Remembrance Day celebrations are held annually where children purchase poppies and a minute's silence is held in a dedicated Remembrance Assembly.
Every December the performances of Foundation Stage and KS1 children are based on the Christian faith with a traditional Nativity play.
We strongly believe that our children need to be taught the laws and heritage of Britain and feel a sense of belonging without sacrificing their own identity. Respect for all and tolerance of all faiths and backgrounds is paramount at Bannockburn Primary School.
