British Values

At James Elliman Academy we take very seriously our responsibility to prepare children for life in modern Britain. The DfES has 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.”
 

We ensure that the fundamental British Values are introduced, discussed and experienced through the ethos and work of the school through our own school’s values of Respect, Aspiration, Equality, Rule of Law, Responsibility and Honesty.

All curriculum areas provide a vehicle for furthering understanding of these concepts and, in particular, our RE and PSHE lessons provide excellent opportunities to deepen and develop understanding. We aim to nurture our children on their journey through life so they can grow into safe, caring, democratic, responsible and tolerant adults who make a positive difference to British society and to the world. We encourage our children to be creative, unique, open minded and independent individuals, respectful of themselves and of others in our school, our local community and the wider world.

Democracy

• All children are encouraged to debate topics of interest, express their views and make a meaningful contribution to the running of the school on matters that directly involve pupils. Children also have the opportunity to have their voices heard through ‘Our Voice’ and pupil surveys.
• The principle of democracy is explored in the curriculum and during assemblies.
• Election and establishment of ‘Our Voice’ council models the democratic process. Teachers ask children to put themselves forward or nominate a peer as a candidates before conducting a class ballot. Council meet regularly with the teaching staff.
• Children write emotively and are able infer feelings of the characters and can relate to their own and other’s experiences. Children are able to work cooperatively in pairs and groups as well as in whole class situations. Throughout the school, pupils are encouraged to understand about taking turns and respecting the views of others.

Rule of Law

• The importance of laws, whether they are those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced at James Elliman Academy.
• Pupils are taught the rules and expectations of the school which are highlighted by the School Behaviour Policy.
• School rules and expectations are clear, fair and regularly promoted.
• Pupils are always helped to distinguish right from wrong, in the classroom, during assemblies and on the playground.
• Pupils are encouraged to respect the law and James Elliman enjoys visits from authorities such as the Police, Fire Services etc. To help reinforce this message.
• The Behaviour and Anti-Bullying policies set out a zero tolerance baseline for any form of aggression, abuse or violence, which applies to pupils, staff, parents and governors.
• Curriculum Areas: RE, PHSE, PE and Sport. Through these subjects, children study a range of topics including rules for living, how rules influence actions, belonging, suffering and happiness, good sportsmanship, teamwork and collaboration.
• Children are able to articulate how and why they need to behave in school and consistently demonstrate they understand and can abide by the rules.

Individual Liberty

• Within school, pupils are actively encouraged, and given the freedom to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment.
• Staff at James Elliman Academy educate and provide boundaries for pupils to make informed choices, through a safe and empowering education.
• Children understand about the importance of accepting responsibility and their right to be heard in school. They are consulted on many aspects of school life and demonstrate independence of thought and action.
• Pupils are supported to develop their self-knowledge, self-esteem and self-confidence.
• Pupils are encouraged to take responsibility for their behaviour and our pastoral support reinforces the importance of making the right choices.
• Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised how to exercise these safely, for example through our e-safety teaching and PSHE lessons.
• Vulnerable pupils are protected and stereotypes challenged.
• A strong anti-bullying culture is embedded in the school and any form of bullying is challenged and addressed.
• Pupils have key roles and responsibilities in school e.g. Our Voice Councillors, Peer Helper, Reading Buddies etc.

Mutual Respect

• Respect is a strong part of our school. The pupils know and understand that it is expected that respect is shown to and by everyone, adults and children and that their behaviours have an effect on their rights and those of others.
• Pupils are helped to acquire an understanding of, and respect for, their own and other cultures and ways of life.
• Staff and pupils are encouraged to challenge prejudicial or discriminatory behaviour.
• Through our PHSE and RE curriculum, and through assemblies, pupils are encouraged to discuss and respect differences between people, such as differences of faith, ethnicity, disability, gender or sexuality and difference of family situations.
• Discussions involving prejudices and prejudiced-based bullying have been followed and supported by learning in PSHE.
• Opportunities for children to act as role models (e.g. Peer Helpers) and celebration of achievements (Star of the Week, Prize day) all play a part in reinforcing the importance of respect for the achievements of others.
• Children can discuss why respect is important and how they show respect to others and how they feel about it.
• Any issues that arise are discussed immediately to prevent further incidents and address misconceptions. Children are awarded certificates which demonstrate their understanding of the values and the way they are displayed to others.

Tolerance of Those with Different Faiths and Beliefs

• This is achieved through equipping pupils with the ability to understand their place in a culturally diverse society and by giving the opportunities to experience such diversity within the school community.
• Links and visits are promoted with local faith communities and places of worship.
• We offer a culturally rich and diverse curriculum in which major religions are studied and respected and global dimension work embedded in many of our curriculum themes. These curriculum themes offer children the chance to reflect on our core values and British values.

Planning and Display
Teachers are expected to make links between the main context of what they are teaching and British Values. This guarantees our staff have British Values at the forefront of their minds when they are planning. This is then followed through to our school environment which have links to British Values clearly displayed. Majority of our classes and year groups have a board displaying not only our core values, which are linked to good citizenship, but children’s work expressing their thoughts on British Values. We encouraged them to write, draw and orally explain what it means to be British with the support of all staff. As a result, our pupils have a better understanding of what it means to be British and a real affinity to the country they are living and learning in.    

Any enquiries about this advice, or issues raised by it, should be sent to: registration.enquiries@education.gsi.gov.uk.

Complied in association with:

• www.gov.uk/government/publications/promoting-fundamental-british-values-through-smsc
• Prevent Strategy
• Teachers Standards
• Equality Act 2010 Advice for Schools